Wigan v Chelsea preview

25 September 2009 10:07
Wigan have the unenviable task of bouncing back to form against red-hot Chelsea at the DW Stadium. The Latics were thumped last time out after slumping to a heavy 4-0 defeat to Arsenal, while the Blues command a 100 per cent record. Carlo Ancelotti has enjoyed a blistering start at the helm with Chelsea winning all six of their league matches of the new season. Wigan will not be able to take any comfort from their head-to-head record against Chelsea having lost seven of eight meetings, including all four on home soil. The Latics have been out of sorts for some time having lost 10 or their last 14 in league action while they have just seven goals in 12 outings - five of those have been scored by Hugo Rodallega. Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has a fully-fit squad to choose from, although on-loan Scott Sinclair in ineligible to feature against his parent club. The Spanish tactician could make wholesale changes following their Emirates Stadium defeat, however, he is likely to make more subtle tweaks. Jason Scotland could be given the nod up front alongside in-form Rodallega should Martinez wish to go with two in attack. Paul Scharner was another who came off the bench last weekend and he could partner the hard-working Hendy Thomas in the middle of the park. Chris Kirkland will retain his place between the sticks behind Wigan's back four of Maynor Figueroa, Emmerson Boyce, Titus Bramble and Mario Melchiot. Chelsea will ring the changes after fielding a much-changed starting XI for their midweek Carling Cup win over QPR. Nicolas Anelka will return up front and he should partner Didier Drogba despite the Ivory Coast ace injuring a calf against Spurs. Petr Cech will replace Hilario with Ashley Cole, John Terry, Jose Bosingwa and Ricardo Carvalho all being restored at the back. Joe Cole and Yuri Zhirkov made successful returns from injury in midweek, although the pair are likely to be on the bench against the Latics. Daniel Sturridge and Deco are both definitely ruled out of the game with calf strains. Possible starting XIsWigan: Kirkland, Melchiot, Bramble, Boyce, Figueroa, Koumas, Scharner, Thomas, N'Zogbia, Rodallega, Scotland. Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Terry, Carvalho, A Cole, Ballack, Essien, Lampard, Malouda, Anelka, Drogba.

Source: SKY_Sports