English Premier League: Wigan Athletic vs. Aston Villa – Match Preview
With rumours suggesting that Wigan’s star striker http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Charles-c8808 N’Zogbia was on his way out, Wigan manager Roberto Martinez spoke out saying that he did not feel the need to sell and was satisfied with his current squad. Martinez said
that his side was capable of surviving the season, despite their latest 3-0 loss to Arsenal leaving them in the relegation zone.
Wigan have not been able to win a match in their last five fixtures in the Premier League. However, a win over Villa would lift them out of the drop zone on level points with the visitors. After that, the Latics have a relatively
easier fixture against West Brom, a side who have not been doing too well themselves.
Former Sunderland striker http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Gerard-c14664 Houllier’s side their first victory
in six Premier League games, which is why he will most likely start tonight.
Aston Villa’s victory over City on Saturday will have boosted their morale and they will go into the match against Wigan knowing that they are the better side. A slow climb to the top half of the table will be possible if Villa
maintain their form and if the past is anything to go by then Villa are in luck: they have won all three of their previous matches at the DW stadium.
Team News
Wigan Athletic
Skipper http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Gary-Caldwell-c14440 has been handed a one-match ban after being sent off against Arsenal over the weekend, which means he will miss tonight’s fixture against Aston Villa. Because of his unavailability, Martinez will have to make
changes in the back line. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chris-Kirkland-c9021 has returned in
goal. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Martinez-c24468 will now have to choose between whom to play as goalie, Kirkland or on loan stopper Ali Al-Habsi.
Aston Villa
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Cameroon-c2865 midfielder Makoun could make his first appearance for Aston Villa tonight after being included in the squad for the first time since his arrival. Walker missed the 1-0 surprise victory over Manchester City, but could feature
in today depending on a late fitness test. However, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Emile-Heskey-c12468 returns to the squad after serving a three-match ban for the red card he picked up against Sunderland.
Possible starting XI:
Wigan: Al Habsi, Stam, S. Caldwell, Boyce, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Figueroa-c13730, Gohouri, Watson, N'Zogbia, Diame, Thomas, Rodallega.
Aston Villa: Friedel, Cuellar, Dunne, Collins, Clark, Young, Petrov, Albrighton, Downing, Agbonlahor, Bent.
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