Barnsley v Wigan - 3rd August 2013 - Oakwell - Match Thread

I don't like starting match threads but then again there's nothing more annoying than multiple threads about the same thing, so here goes.

This is the first day I've really thought about the match and I'm looking forward to it with the usual apprehension.

I'd like to thing Flitcroft will try and take the game to Wigan by playing 3-5-2 as opposed to coming up with a system that attempts to nullify their individual threats. Wigan aren't really any weaker from the team that won the FA Cup last season and played well on many occasions in the Premier League, it was just inconsistency which saw them finally relegated.

I'm not going to jinx it by predicting a result but any complacency from Wigan should see us the happier set of fans at the end of the game. Hopefully our lads will be backed by a big crowd who are positive, vocal and get behind the lads.

The season is FINALLY here...COME ON YOU REDS!!

 

I think this, along with Reading, is about as tough an opening fixture as we could have asked for (less so QPR, who I think might need time to adjust) so I won't be too perturbed if we don't get off to a winning start.

There's a lot of quality still in their squad and Coyle is a good replacement for Martinez, so I expect them to be a top 3 team at the end of the year. Hopefully we can continue our 2013 run of form against the top teams but it's going to be a very tough game.

Can't wait!

 

Will you start the sprinklers please.

Or fans eeveeeen.