Source: Team_Talk
Wigan face new-boys early doors
Having avoided relegation last season, Wigan will head into the 2011/12 campaign hoping to steer well clear of another basement battle.[LNB] Keeping manager Roberto Martinez out of the clutches of Aston Villa has provided a welcome pick-me-up ahead of the new season and expectations have risen around the DW Stadium.[LNB]A quick glance at the fixture list for the 2011/12 campaign suggests the Latics have cause to be optimistic, with the three Premier League new-boys set to provide their early opposition.[LNB]Norwich will open the season at the DW Stadium, before Martinez's men go to his former employers Swansea and entertain Neil Warnock's Queens Park Rangers.[LNB]Facing the top-flight new-boys in the opening weeks may play into Wigan's hands, but they will need no reminding that Blackpool hammered them 4-0 in their first Premier League fixture last season.[LNB]December looks like being a tricky month for the Latics, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United providing stiff opposition.[LNB]Wigan will begin the New Year with a trip to Sunderland, while a home date with Wolves awaits them on the final day.
