Preview: Wigan Athletic vs Aston Villa

So its time to turn our attention to Villa Park. It is for the most part, one of Wigan's happier grounds. We have an unbeaten record to up hold, having yet to lose their since joining the Premier League.

That is just one of many incentives for the lads to do well this weekend. The other one, a much bigger one, is that we are slow being dragged down the table, and after a dire September. Its time for us to step up to the plate and start winning some matches.

Aston Villa, who have so far had a so so start to the season, have yet to lose in the Premier League so far. Winning one and drawing five, putting them on eight points. It hasn't been the best of starts for Alex McLeish, but signs are promising, for a side who last year under performed drastically.

Villa will go into the match with a fully fit squad. Which for Latics fans has to be a cause for concern, as everybody will be up and raring to play in front of a home crowd back and fully fit.

Wigan Athletic on the other hand will be without four players. Antolin Alcaraz and Hugo Rodallega are long term injuries, both likely to be back by November at various times. While Steve Gohuri misses out through suspension, but Emmerson Boyce is a maybe. He has missed the past three games after coming off against Manchester City, his return is possible.

The man to watch this week for Villa, could only be one choice. The man with all the goals, and has gone from strength to strength in the past year. It is of course Darren Bent.

The 27 year old England international has always been a top player, scoring goals where ever he has gone. Having signed for Villa in January he has continued his goalscoring record. Bagging ten goals in twenty one games, a very impressive record.

It his not only his goalscoring ability that makes him a threat. He can hold up and head the ball as well as anyone, while making darting runs to open up the defence. Bent is a typical all round English striker, deadly in all areas.

What can you do to stop him?

Not a lot, the best form of action is most likely to cut of the supply line, but even then it is hard to stop a born goalscorer from tapping the ball away.

So what will the result be?

Well I am for the most part, not too sure how to call the game. Villa do have the home advantage, and are in a better vein of form. Yet when has that ever meant anything in the Premier League.

It will come down to the teams picked, and how the players perform on the day. Basically no Jordi Gomez for Latics and we have the game sealed up. It is going to be tight one, so long as our lads step up to the challenge of playing Villa.