Match Preview - Wigan (a)

Jourdan · #1 (**permalink**) 22-02-2008, 07:53 PM

Paul Jewell returns to the JJB Stadium for the first time since his departure in May 2007, hoping to guide Derby to their first away win in the Premier League this season and claim 3 of the 7 points they need to avoid being labelled as “the worst team in Premier League history”.

Last Time At The JJB Stadium

Wigan 1-2 Derby (2004/05)

Recent History

Steve Bruce replaced Chris Hutchings after Wigan slid into relegation trouble earlier in the season. Since Bruce's first game in charge in November, Athletic have picked up 15 points from 12 Premier League games, reached the 4th round of the FA Cup and have signed no less than 5 players in the January transfer window. However they are only 1 point and 2 places above the relegation zone and will need to improve on recent form to stave off relegation.

Impact of Summer Signings

Several of Chris Hutchings’ signings have slotted nicely into the first team, with Michael Brown, Titus Bramble, Mario Melchiot and Marcus Bent all having 20 or more Premier League appearances to their name this season.

Former Fulham midfielder Brown has been a mainstay of the Latics’ midfield amassing 22 Premier League appearances since his arrival. Meanwhile Bramble and Melchiot have totalled 45 top-flight starts between them forming the basis of an experienced defence. Yet Bent has outshone all three by netting 7goals in 22 top-flight outings.

Jason Koumas hasn’t really lived up to his hefty transfer fee, performing sporadically and scoring just a single goal in his 21 Premier League appearances. Antoine Sibierski’s first season with the club has been hampered by injury, with the Frenchman only making 10 starts and 10 substitute appearances in the Premier League, scoring 4 times. Up and coming defender Andreas Granqvist has made a smooth transition to life in the Premier League, displaying confidence in his 13 top-flight starts. Experienced keeper Carlo Nash and promising youngsters Tomasz Kupisz and Rachid Bouaouzan have featured rarely.

Form

Wigan are far from safe from relegation and will be looking to reverse a worrying run of form tomorrow.

Since they overcame the Rams at Pride Park in January, they have lost 4 of their last 5 games. In the Premier League, they suffered consecutive defeats against Everton and Middlesbrough, before Kevin Kilbane’s header earned the Latics a 1-0 win over West Ham on February 2nd. Their most recent Premier League outing ended in defeat as they were undeservedly beaten 2-0 by Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Avram Grant’s Chelsea tamed Bruce’s men in the 4th round of the FA Cup, with the 2-1 loss being screened on the BBC.

Predicted Line Ups

Wigan – Kirkland, Melchiot, Boyce, Scharner, Edman, Valencia, Palacios, Brown, Kilbane, Heskey, King

Derby – Carroll, Edworthy, Stubbs, Leacock, McEveley, Barnes, Ghaly, Savage, Pearson, Villa, Miller

One to Watch

Marlon King – The former Nottingham Forest forward is yet to score in his 3 starts since his January switch from Watford. But an impressive record of 37 goals in 87 appearances over two and a half seasons at Vicarage Road will no doubt make him a marked man tomorrow afternoon.

Key Battles

Stubbs vs. Heskey – January signing Stubbs could have trouble dealing with the pace and strength of England international Emile Heskey

Ghaly vs. Brown – Hossam Ghaly has impressed since arriving on loan from Tottenham last month. Uncompromising midfielder Michael Brown will be looking to frustrate the Egyptian international, who can prove to be dangerous with his creativity and technical ability from midfield.

Odds (courtesy of Ladbrokes.com on 22/2/2008)

Wigan to win – 8/15
Draw – 5/2
Derby to win – 9/2

Virtual Betting

2 bets have been registered – one tipping Derby to win at odds of 4/1 and one for the draw at 12/5. Other odds include a Wigan home win at 8/13.

Jourdan predicts…1-1