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. 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.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.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.Wigan fans will approach the opening-day clash with renewed optimism after the appointment of new manager Martinez.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.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.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. Team NewsThe hosts could possibly hand debuts to former Newcastle defender Habib Beye and promising youngster Fabian Delph.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.However, Villa's prize summer signing, England winger Stewart Downing, has been ruled out until December with a broken foot.Stiliyan Petrov has recovered from a dislocated shoulder suffered in a pre-season competition in Spain and will be available to start on Saturday.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.Strong SquadMartinez will have the benefit of a virtually full-strength squad for his first competitive match in charge of Wigan.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.Scotland and former Espanyol midfielder Jordi Gomez, who both played under Martinez at Swansea last season, are both likely to feature against Villa.Possible starting XIsAston Villa: Friedel, Luke Young, Davies, Cuellar, Shorey, Milner, Reo-Coker, Sidwell, Ashley Young, Heskey, Agbonlahor.Wigan: Kirkland, Melchiot, Boyce, Bramble, Scharner, Brown, N'Zogbia, Koumas, Gomez, Scotland, Rodallega.