Di Matteo’s Chelsea open their title challenge against Latics
The heavy spending Chelsea will lock horns with Wigan Athletic on Sunday at the DW Stadium. The new boss at Stamford Bridge, Roberto Di Matteo, fresh from his Champions League and FA Cup triumphs, will be looking to vindicate the owners’ decision of handing
him the permanent http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Job-c18684, by improving on the Blues league performances. For the Latics, they will look to carry their sublime late form during the prevenient campaign, and further justify their tag of being the giant killers.
Chelsea
During the summer, the Blues billionaire owner, Roman Abramovich splashed the cash to facilitate the arrival of some of the biggest names in the football world at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea will go into the game with their squad brimming with young talent,
following the signings of Eden Hazard, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Oscar-c28720 and Thorgan Hazard this summer.
Besides that, they will also be lifted by the inclusion of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Branislav-Ivanovic-c7994. The defender picked up a red card during his team’s Community Shield match against Manchester City. However, he will not serve a three match suspension, as the game carried a
non-competitive status.
Even though the manager does not face any major fitness concerns in the squad, he might have to content on sitting out http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Daniel-Sturridge-c10076 from the game. The forward is reported to have suffered a mild toe injury.
Likely formation: 4-4-2
Expected starting line-up:
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Fernando-Torres-c13707, Juan Mata.
Wigan Athletic
After putting up a gallant fight in the closes stages of the previous season, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Roberto-c31294 Martinez’s side staved off a looming relegation threat to retain their position in the top division. Given their wins against some of top flight clubs which came in the
path, the Latics will be looking to carry their winning momentum in their season opener.
Following the departure of striker, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Martinez-c24468 has claimed the signatures of the forwards, Ryo Miyaichi and Arouna Kone to fill the void of the Colombian International.
However, the presence of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786.
Other than that, it is unlikely that there will be any other major omissions from the squad.
Likely formation: 4-4-2
Expected playing eleven:
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Franco-Di-Santo-c14060, Ryo Miyaichi.
Last five games between the two teams
Chelsea have won four of the previous five meetings between the two teams, while one game ended in a draw. The two sides last met in April at Stamford Bridge, in which the Blues edged the Latics 2-1 in a thrilling encounter.
Expected Result
Wigan 1 : 2 Chelsea
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