English Premier League: Wigan vs Chelsea Preview
Preview: Wigan prepare to take on a Chelsea side that seems to be growing stronger with every passing day. The Blues started their title defense against West Brom, beating them 6-0, with Drogba scoring a hat trick. Wigan remembers him all too well, the Ivoirian Coast international had scored a hat trick against them in the last game of the season, beating them 8-0 and claiming the Premier League crown.
Wigan, who have not yet recovered from the 4-0 thrashing from Blackpool will not be looking forward to hosting the champions. Even though Wigan beat Chelsea 3-1 in last season’s corresponding fixture, things are much different than they were before. Ancelotti, who remembers the slip up said he expected dedication and concentration from his team.
The Italian manager told reporters in the pre match press conference, “They didn't start well (against Wigan) last year but we have to learn to play against teams with strong motivation. Our aim is to show continuity away from home. Although we did very well last season, away we had some problems. We need to change the direction of this. Last season we won the first six games -- that was key to winning the title. We want the same this season and we have started very well. Now we need to look to the next game.”
Team News: Roberto Martinez, the Wigan Coach could bring on Charles N’Zogbia for tonight’s fixture. N’Zogbia could replace Victor Moses, who has been made unavailable because of a groin injury.
Hendry Thomas is most likely to replace James McCarthy, while Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba have minor injuries, but both will feature in tonight’s match. Additionally Ramires, the Blues new signing, has trained with the squad but will not take part in the match.
Match Facts: Wigan beat Chelsea for the first time ever in the Premier League last season, they won 3-1 at the DW Stadium in September. However, they suffered an embarrassing 8-0 defeat in the second leg of the same fixture on the last day of the season at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have won eight out of ten of their Premier League games against Wigan. An overall record shows that Chelsea have ten wins in all competitions, with Wigan claiming two wins and the two sides drawing twice.
Wigan have the second worse defensive record in the Premier League, conceding 79 goals in 38 matches. They’re start to this season was reminiscent to the last one, a 4-0 loss to Blackpool on the opening day at home.
By scoring one goal today, Wigan will reach the 100 home goal mark in the Premier League. Chelsea on the other hand have an impressive 23 goals in their last four Premier League matches. The Blues have also not conceded a goal since April, when Gareth Bale scored for Tottenham, maintaining a clean sheet for 406 minutes. Also, striker Didier Drogba will aim to become the first player in 46 years to score three successive hat tricks in the Premier League.
Last League Match Line Ups:
Wigan: Kirkland; Boyce (Stam 46), Alcaraz, Gohouri, Figueroa, McCarthy, Diame (Thomas 46), Moses (McArthur 72), Watson, Rodallega, Boselli. Subs not used: Al Habsi, Gomez, Scotland, Golobart
Chelsea: Cech; Ferreira (Ivanovic 60), Terry, Alex, Cole, Mikel, Essien, Lampard (Benayoun 64), Malouda, Anelka, Drogba (Kalou 70). Subs not used: Hilario, Zhirkov, Sturridge, Van Aanholt.
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