Match Preview: Wigan Athletic vs West Bromwich Albion

Last season it was Newcastle United, this season it is West Bromwich Albion. There is always one team that impresses each and every season and the team from the midlands that play in Black and White couldn't be doing a better job so far this season, with a stunning start. Only losing three of their first ten games.

They have had their fair share of luck, and they have also go their fair share of talent. Just a few years ago, West Bromwich Albion were considered a team to watch in the relegation battle yet they have toughened up and invested sensibly with a solid fan base. They show how with the right model you can slowly build a team and a club toward the top half of the Premier League table.

When they face us this weekend, they will be missing one key player. Ben Foster will be out with a groin injury, for which he has now flown to Germany to see a specialist. The English goalkeeper is one of the baggies top players, it gives Wigan a slight advantage, although deputizing Boaz Myhill isn't a bad goalkeeper.

Latics are likely to be unchanged from the side that faced Tottenham. Ben Watson is likely to remain in the line up after impressing, yet James McArthur could return to the bench for the game. The rest of the absentees, will remain just that, there are no returns for Albert Crusat, Antolin Alcaraz or Ryo Miyachi.

The rest of the West Brom squad reads with returning players, and a selection headache for Steve Clark. Does he play Peter Odemwinige, or does he bring in the energetic Romelu Lukaka who has been sensational since joining on loan. There will be plenty of players able to hurt Wigan when West Brom try to attack us.

The man to watch though, as to be their Irish striker Shane Long. The man who was signed under Roy Hodgson has quickly made himself a fan favorite as he bags the goals week in week out. So far he has five to his name this season, and it isn't through a lack of trying that it isn't more.

Quick, strong and agile both on and off the ball, he is the kind of striker defender hate to play against. One minute he can be challenging you to win the ball, the next he can be running to get in behind you. There are many edges to his game, and that makes him unpredictable.

Hopefully we can counter act his ability to play up front alone, like we did for Jermain Defoe against Tottenham Hotspur. Letting our three center back take control of the middle and the wing backs pull back to cut of the supply lines, and the channel of balls coming his way soon drys up.

This isn't going to be an easy game, for either side I would like to add. Yet hopefully it can be the type of game it should be. Two attacking teams looking to play solid passing football to give us the great entertainment factor that we all so love to see when watching Premier League football.