Wigan Athletic FC

• Nickname:
• Founded:1932
• Manager:Roberto Martinez

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Preview: Wigan v Blackpool

12 Aug 2010 - 15:22:09

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Premier League newcomers and anticipated whipping boys Blackpool make the short journey to Wigan Athletic's DW Stadium as they get their top-flight campaign up and running.

Following their dramatic 3-2 Championship play-off final success over Cardiff City at Wembley in May, the Seasiders have been the talk of the football fraternity in recent times.

Although many people are tipping them to make a crashing return to the second tier, the unfashionable outfit are sure to cause a stir this term after their unexpected rise to the top.

Much will rest on talismanic figure Charlie Adam after his goalscoring exploits last season. The Scotland star fired in 18 goals, but things will be undeniably tough for the Bloomfield Road-based side.

Manager Ian Holloway has struggled to bring new faces in ahead of their Premier League bow and, on paper, his squad looks devoid of the class required to succeed amongst England's elite.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has added Antolin Alcaraz, James McArthur, Mauro Boselli and Ronnie Stam to his squad during the summer and, with Hugo Rodallega, Hendry Thomas, Maynor Figueroa and Charles N'Zogbia still at the club, they may fancy themselves to grab all three points on Saturday.

The hosts look set to name a fully-fit line-up, but Blackpool will be missing tireless midfielder Keith Southern through a knee injury.

Striker Billy Clarke's dream of featuring in the Premier League could be over before it's even started after he suffered a long-term knee injury.

Wigan ended their pre-season campaign with a positive 3-1 away-day win at Dundee United. Boselli struck twice before teeing up Victor Moses to add a third at Tannadice with the hosts replying through Danny Cadamarteri.

Blackpool, on the other hand, fell to a 2-1 home loss at the hands of Hibernian on Sunday ahead of their Latics test.

Jason Euell put his side ahead after just eight minutes, but Hibs responded when Derek Riordan guided a header beyond goalkeeper Matt Gilks and Liam Miller fired in a 22-yard free-kick as the Scottish side prevailed.

The visitors should look to the last time the two sides met for inspiration as they crushed Wigan 4-1 in the second round of the Carling Cup last term. Ishmel Demontagnac opened the scoring before Ben Burgess doubled their advantage.

Further efforts from Adam and Gary Taylor-Fletcher put the hosts in cruise control and, although Antonio Amaya headed home a late consolation, the night belonged to the Seasiders.