:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/26643343/gyi0063050181.0.jpg)
Seven games into Uwe Rosler's reign at Wigan and one defeat has been registered so far, I am more than likely jinxing it now and we will lose today, but the German gaffer has started to turn performances as well as results round. Now we come into a n important part of the year where if we want to fight for promotion we have to be going full out.
The main concern surround being able to challenge for promotion this season for Latics has to come from our long injury list. Currently Gary Caldwell, Shaun Maloney, Juan Carlos Garcia, Ivan Ramis, Ben Watson, Thomas Rogne, Scott Carson, Lee Nicholls and Nick Powell; all have some sort of injury/knock.
Many of the above mentioned players will hopefully return today and really swell the ranks of our squad back to more or less full strength. The returns of Nick Powell and Ivan Ramis will be key. As seen against Birmingham going forwards without Powell we lose an extra dynamic, while defensively without Ramis we do look very vulnerable.
Uwe's opposite number Eddie Howe doesn't have so many injury issue. In fact there is only the long term absence of Mohamed Coulibaly that Howe has to deal with. Defender Steve Cook could make a return to the side following injury.
Bournemouth, like ourselves have enjoyed a very good festive period. Picking up five points in their last three games as they look to continue their Championship adventure into next season. The cherries currently sit comfortably in 16th, on 30 points they are nine points above the drop zone and only three points behind us going into the game today.
Hopefully though no upset will be on the cards.
This week has been the first time since November that the players haven't had a game mid-week. Given a chance to actually recuperate and fully prepare for what is to come today will have given the lads an extra boost. It should mean we come out ready and raring to win the game. Lets hope I am right.
Keep the Faith!