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. 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.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.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.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.December looks like being a tricky month for the Latics, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United providing stiff opposition.Wigan will begin the New Year with a trip to Sunderland, while a home date with Wolves awaits them on the final day.

Source: Team_Talk