West Brom v Wigan: Inside track on the Latics
West Brom host Wigan hoping to extend their lead on top of the Championship - but what do you know about the Latics?
We spoke with Ian Aspinall, Wigan Athletic blogger for Lets-Hang-On, to get a better look at Albion's next opponents.
See what he had to say here...
How have things been going at Wigan since the sides last met in the League, have things improved?
The Latics have had a mini revival since we last spoke in December with 14 points taken from a possible 21 in the last seven games.
We’ve beaten Leeds and Reading away and had home wins against Sheffield Wednesday and Millwall, drawn against Middlesbrough and Cardiff, and our only defeat came against Preston.
Still in the bottom three, how is the mood amongst fans at the moment? Is there a real vigour in fighting relegation or is the mood more dreary?
There is a growing belief that we can still escape the drop, but the fans are aware that it is going to be a real battle for survival.
The recent run of good form has boosted the fans' confidence but there is still some negativity towards the manager.
Paul Cook has not endeared himself to the fanbase with his tactics, team selections and comments in the media.
Some of Cook’s pre-season signings have been slow to make an impact.
Cook also regularly ‘big-ups’ the opposition and has been critical of the fans when they are unhappy with the team’s performances.
The Latics were unfortunate to only manage a draw against Albion earlier this season, do you think the side will take some heart from that performance heading into this game?
Yes, we were a little unlucky on the night, but I thought West Brom were disappointing and I had expected much more from them.
Latics’ players should take hope from the performance, but they will be aware that the Championship leaders are unlikely to play as poorly again.
What kind of football can we expect from Paul Cook's side this weekend?
Latics adopted a high press in the 3-0 victory against Reading in midweek, so I expect Cook to adopt a similar approach against Albion.
They’ll probably go for a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 formation.
They will have to absorb pressure and hit Albion on the break as they did against Leeds.
We have a tough tackling midfield with captain Samy Morsy, and Joe Williams and they will hope to disrupt Albion’s attacking flow.
They will pose a goal threat through Kieffer Moore and Jamal Lowe who have started to hit form in recent games.
What's your predicted XI? Are there any injuries affecting the side?
Marshall, Byrne, Kipre, Balogun, Pearce, Morsy, Williams, Lowe, Evans, Jacobs, Moore.
Centre back and joint leading goal scorer Chey Dunkley was stretchered off on Wednesday night so will definitely be unavailable.
Latics are also without Everton loanee Kieran Dowell and USA international Antonee Robinson who was a target for AC Milan recently.
Who are the big threats from an Albion perspective? Who do the Baggies need to worry about?
Until recently Latics were the lowest scorers in the division but strikers Kieffer Moore and Jamal Lowe are now finally starting to find the net.
Wales international Moore has scored four goals in the last seven games and could prove to be the biggest threat to Albion on Saturday.
What have you made of Albion from afar, do you feel they have what it takes to push on and claim the Championship title?
Albion are the form team in the Championship with five wins in six games.
They look the most likely team to be promoted and have great strength in depth.
All the others have shown their inconsistency and it’s very hard to predict who the other promotion teams will be.
Your match prediction?
An optimistic 1-1 as we desperately need points to survive and it won’t harm Albion’s promotion chances too much if they draw.
