Latics v QPR Preview

The Latics face QPR this afternoon looking to continue their unbeaten start to the season but also attempting to get that first win under their belts.

Two draws in the opening two games have been a satisfactory start to the new campaign, a win today would turn that into a very good start, but Latics boss Roberto Martinez has a few selection problems, star performer Victor Moses was struggling at the end of last week with a groin strain, James McCarthy is being hampered by an ankle knock and centre half Antolin Alcaraz is out for two months.

Expect both Moses and McCarthy to start, Ronnie Stam should come in for Alcaraz with Emmerson Boyce moving to centre back, there could also be the first start of the season for Hugo Rodallega, the Latics attack has missed some bite with the Colombia international recovering from his exploits in this summers Copa America.

QPR had a great win at Everton last Saturday and with new owners at the helm and the euphoria of their new big signing Joey Barton they will be buzzing, but I think the Latics will prove just too strong for them and I see a home win on the cards.

Latics boss Roerto Martinez:

'We always felt QPR would invest heavily and would attract players with real experience.

'With the experience they have got, and the winning mentality they bring from the Championship, they are going to be a tough team to play against.

'We expect a fully competitive side and we expect a side that is full of confidence after their result at Goodison Park.'

Antolin Alcaraz and Steve Gohouri are definitely out, Victor Moses and James McCarthy will be given fitness test

Latics from:

Al Habsi, Stam, McCarthy, McArthur, Caldwell, Watson, Di Santo, Rodallega, Moses, Gomez, Boyce, Diame, Figueroa, Pollitt, Thomas, Jones, Sammon, Lopez, McManaman

Playing against his former club and current Latics leading goal scorer


By permission of Bernard Platt/Wigan Athletic

New signing Joey Barton joined too late and wont be available, Clint Hill is suspended so former Latics player Fitz Hall should start,

QPR from:

Kenny, Murphy, Orr, Derry, Hall, Gabbidon, Taarabt, Campbell, Bothroyd, Faurlin, Buzsaky, Connolly, Smith, Helguson, Moen, Agyemang, Shittu, Ephraim, Perone.

Highly rated and a fantastic season in the Championship last time out, can he make the step up?

Latics and QPR have mey on six previous occassions

Latics 1 win, QPR 2, draws 3

Last six meetings

23/04/05 - Championship - Latics 0 QPR 0

3/11/04 - Championship - QPR 1 Latics 0

2/03/03 - Division 2 - QPR 0 Latics 1

9/10/02 - Division 2 - Latics 1 QPR 1

6/02/02 - Division 2 - QPR 1 Latics 1

2/09/01 - Division 2 - Latics 1 QPR 2

Michael Oliver (Ashington)
Why not take a look at our execllent 'Meet The Ref' article

Michael Oliver Card Watch 2011/12

Games - 2, yellows - 5, reds - 0

Head and heart both say 1-0 Latics win

Premier League

Manchester City v Latics
Eastlands
Saturday
10/09/11
3pm

Carling Cup Rd 2

Crystal Palace v Latics
Selhurst Park
Tuesday
13/09/11
8:00pm

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