For the first time this season, the bookies have us as outsiders to win a game, at 21/10 to upset a Wigan side who have set off like a house on fire, being only 1 of 3 undefeated sides in league 1 so far. Whilst they've had quite a big turnover in players this summer, the majority of Wigan's departures haven't been key players, with the odd exception. Their signings have been mainly free and loan signings from the academies of Premier League sides, and they've kept the same manager from last season. Despite their off field issues, Wigan were only relegated at the end of April, amidst another round of unpaid wages. Which is why I feel many have underestimated their chances of challenging for promotion this season. Despite trailing well into the second half, Wigan won their first home league game of the season against Northampton. And although they had the worst home record in the Championship last season, they only lost 1 of their final 8 home league games of the season, and certainly experienced an upturn in home form following Caldwell's arrival at the DW. We have previously visited Wigan 8 times, with victories in the league cup in the 70's, the JPT after penalties in 2015, and our solitary league victory there at the end of the 15/16 season. Our most recent visit was also August bank holiday weekend in 2019, where an even game finished goalless. Ben Williams was dismissed after 2 yellow cards late on for the reds. Referee Seb Stocksbridge has issues 18 yellow cards in 4 appointments this season so far. His last reds game was the 0-3 home defeat to Bolton in January, where reds captain Mads Andersen was controversially dismissed after just 10 minutes. His last Wigan game was towards the end of the 21/22 season, where Jack Whatmough struck in the final 15 minutes to earn a point for the Latics against Plymouth Argyle. After back to back 3-1 home defeats, it's difficult to see anything other than a home win in this one. Corey O'Keeffe appears to be back in contention, which adds another option in defence. Presumably John McAtee will also be in contention for a start. Proven goalscorer Charlie Wyke could be the real difference between the two sides, as the veteran striker has found the net 5 times already in the league this season. For once, I'm predicting a defeat in this one. I'm going 2-0 to the hosts.
Agree with Old Gimmer. Wigan 4-0. I have no confidence in any area of our team at present or the organisational skills of our coaches. Motm & busiest red, Liam Roberts. Maybe O'Keefe can return and make a difference? Happy to be proven wrong.
It's a stroll in the park for the reds an easy 2 nil win. A Cole goal in the first minute and Cole penalty with the last kick of the game. The rest of the game a masterclass in defending. Wigan forum in melt down with war declared against us.
Backed Wigan to win with the reds having a 2 goal start, I am so confident of a hammering. Hope we stuff em, but can't see it.
2-1 Wigan. We’ll go 1-0 up through Cole and collapse again due to the ***** bench we have, inept tactics and awful defence.
3–1 reds, Cole brace, bullet header for Lopata the proceeds to windmill in front of Wigan fans causing a riot
3-0 Wigan…. Defending all over the place, gaps bigger than the Grand Canyon in midfield and powder puff as you like up front…. Roberts MOTM (POTM) again.
If we have worked hard on the training pitch and folk have got stuff off their chest (body language and communication was dire last two home games) then 2-2 with Cole and Phillips netting. If they are still struggling to understand the system and play like strangers, I see nothing more than a 5-0 defeat and TwitterX being awash with pie-eaters taking the proverbial.