Source: SKY_Sports
Aston Villa v Wigan preview
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Aston Villa will hope for a flying start to the season when new Wigan boss Roberto Martinez brings his side to Villa Park.[LNB] Villa have finished in sixth place at the end of each of the previous two Premier League seasons, with a UEFA Champions League spot looking likely at one point during the last campaign.[LNB]But they could possibly have to fend off competition from Harry Redknapp's Tottenham and big-spending Manchester City if they want another top-six finish this time around.[LNB]Martin O'Neill will be keen to get off to a winning start, as a visit to Anfield awaits his side a week on Monday.[LNB]Wigan fans will approach the opening-day clash with renewed optimism after the appointment of new manager Martinez.[LNB]The 36-year-old Spaniard, who enjoyed a five-year stay at the Latics during his playing days, has secured the signing of target man Jason Scotland from former club Swansea City.[LNB]The powerful striker may prove to be an ideal replacement for Emile Heskey, who is likely to line-up against his former club at Villa Park.[LNB]Previous boss Steve Bruce guided Wigan to an 11th place finish last season, and another mid-table finish will be viewed as a successful first campaign for Martinez. [LNB]Team NewsThe hosts could possibly hand debuts to former Newcastle defender Habib Beye and promising youngster Fabian Delph.[LNB]Right-back Beye arrived from St James' Park in a £2.5million deal while 19-year-old midfielder Delph made the switch from Leeds for around £6million.[LNB]However, Villa's prize summer signing, England winger Stewart Downing, has been ruled out until December with a broken foot.[LNB]Stiliyan Petrov has recovered from a dislocated shoulder suffered in a pre-season competition in Spain and will be available to start on Saturday.[LNB]The former Celtic midfielder is also a candidate to take over the captain's armband following the retirement of Martin Laursen and departure of Gareth Barry.[LNB]Strong SquadMartinez will have the benefit of a virtually full-strength squad for his first competitive match in charge of Wigan.[LNB]Midfielder Olivier Kapo is the only player ruled out through injury, the Frenchman still suffering from knee-ligament damage sustained in the Latics' pre-season tour of Austria.[LNB]Scotland and former Espanyol midfielder Jordi Gomez, who both played under Martinez at Swansea last season, are both likely to feature against Villa.[LNB]Possible starting XIs[LNB]Aston Villa: Friedel, Luke Young, Davies, Cuellar, Shorey, Milner, Reo-Coker, Sidwell, Ashley Young, Heskey, Agbonlahor.[LNB]Wigan: Kirkland, Melchiot, Boyce, Bramble, Scharner, Brown, N'Zogbia, Koumas, Gomez, Scotland, Rodallega.[LNB]
