Wigan to play Villains and run Riot?

Posted by liam_wafc in Aston Villa, Wigan | 18 April 2006

Wigan take on Aston Villa at the JJB Stadium tonight knowing that a defeat will practically end any hopes of UEFA Cup qualifications. Although our recent form would suggest that a European place is out of reach, the inconsistency of the teams around and above us means that we still have a faint hope, which could be prolongued or ended tonight.

Back in October, we ran out 2-0 victors at Aston Villa, which was part of our fantastic ten game Premiership unbeaten run. Such a record at this moment in time can only be dreamed of, especially now that we have lost our skipper Arjan De Zeeuw for the rest of the season.

It is no understatement to say that De Zeeuw is our most influential player and without him our back four lacks his experience. Club captain Matt Jackson is also set to miss out, meaning a makeshift back fouris on the cards. The most probable back four would be Chimbonda and Baines at right back and left back, with Scharner being partnered with Henchoz, if fit, at the heart of the defence.

Aston Villaface a similar dilemna at the back, with Laursen and Delaney certain to miss out, whilst their own captain, Melberg, is struggling to make the game.

Form wise, Wigan have failed to win in four attempts in the league, whilst Aston Villa ended a six game winless run with a 3-1 victory over Birmingham. An interesting Stat is that Villa have only beat one top half team this season, way back in August when they beat a then struggling Blackburn.

I expect a few goals tonight. we have not scored more than one goal in a game since we drew 2-2 at Tottenham back in February, and with Villa playing a makeshift defence, our strikers should hopefully prove to be too much to handle. The same cane be said about Milan Baros, if Paul Jewell doesn't choose the right defensive four.

Result: Wigan 3 Villa 1 Hopefully!!

Comments

1. At April 18, 2006 1:59 PM STEVE POOLE wrote:

3-1 TO Wigan!!!! Think you could have that score the wrong way round, i mean even our rivals West brom and Small heath came away from the JJB with a result