Chelsea v Latics Preview

Well its here, at the end of a long hard season we reach the final game and once again little Wigan Athletic will have a massive say in the destination of the Premier League title.

We all know the scenario a Latics loss and Chelsea win it, a draw or a win for Roberto`s men and Manchester United will have the opportunity to gate crash the party in West London and secure their 4th title in a row.

It would be excellent to finish the season on a high and get something from the game, early season we were all over the place, recently though the Latics have a bit of consistency, no hammerings in the past few weeks and just the odd goal deciding matches either way since the beginning of April, have we turned the corner?

Next season will be the litmus test as far as I`m concerned, this one was always going to be a struggle but the signs are there to suggest we just may be heading for a spot of mid-table mediocrity next time around.

As for today Chelsea do have a lot to play for and we could well have a dodgy keeper between the posts. It will be difficult and we`ll be under siege, keep them quiet for 30 minutes or so though and frustration and anxiety will creep in, whatever happens its exciting in the build up and once again the Latics are heavily involved on the last day of the season

Roll on the next one

Latics boss Roberto Martinez:

'It is a unique situation we find ourselves in by taking part in what will be the most important game of the season.

'Millions of people will be watching around the world and it is a great platform for the players to represent Wigan Athletic and show what they can do.

'Hopefully we can get the upset and spoil the party.'

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti

'I am not nervous, not now, maybe at the start of the game but now there is a lot of time'

'Wigan is a good team, they have a lot of skills in front, they are quick, they created us a lot of difficulties in the first game, I remember it very well and we have to pay attention, nothing is decided. If you do not prepare well during the game you will not be able to solve your problems.'

Bosingwa, Essien, Mikel and Carvalho are out.

Chelsea from:

Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Alex, Ashley Cole, Lampard, Ballack, Malouda, Kalou, Zhirkov, Drogba, Anelka, Joe Cole, Hilario, Paulo Ferreira, Deco, Sturridge, Belletti.

World class striker, the Latics defence will need to be on top of their game this afternoon

Bramble, Kingson, Kirkland and Moreno are out, N'Zogbia doubtful

Latics from:

Stojkovic, Melchiot, Caldwell, Gohouri, Figueroa, Diame, Scharner, McCarthy, N'Zogbia, Gomez, Scotland, Watson, Moses, Rodallega, Pollitt, Thomas, Boyce, Mostoe, Koumas

The Ivory Coast international signed a two year deal this week and he will be keen to impress, also he will be marking his compatriot Didier Drogba, shopuld be an interesting dual

Latics and Chelsea have met on 13 occasions

Latics have 3 wins, Chelsea 9, draws 1

Last Five Meetings

26/09/09 - Premier League - Latics 3 Chelsea 1
28/02/09 - Premier League - Chelsea 2 Latics 1
24/08/08 - Premier League - Latics 0 Chelsea 1
14/04/08 - Premier League - Chelsea 1 Latics 1
26/01/08 - FA Cup 4th Round - Latics 1 Chelsea 2

Martin Atkinson (West Yorkshire)

Card watch - 48 games, 186 yellows, 5 reds

Why not take a look at our 'Meet The Ref' article

Heart says 1-1

Head says 3-1 Chelsea win

Pre-season Friendly

TBC
DW Stadium
7/08/2010

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