Villa v Latics Preview

The Latics travel down the M6 today to face Aston Villa, all the talk pre-game is about the meeting up with former talisman Charles N'Zogbia who is, of course, going to be turning out against his old mates for the first time since his summer move.

Charlie hasn't hit the ground running for Villa and there are murmurings that he isn't the player they thought he was, well let me tell you now Villa fans, he's probably twice the player you thought he was its just that your manager doesn't know how to utilise him.

Charlie aside Villa look a definitely average team and Latics boss Roberto Martinez must have earmarked this as a game that will yield the minimum of a point, we are coming off the back of three straight league defeats and need something before the international break next weekend.

Last time out the Latics were woeful in the first half before a substitution and a couple of subtle tactical changes put Martinez's men back in the game, here's hoping we start off in the same frame that we finished that game

A footnote for today, if Emmerson Boyce makes an appearance it will be his 150th game for the Latics in all competitions

Latics boss Roberto Martinez:

"You can`t replace an important player like Charles. Instead you have got to change the way you play.

"We are creating more chances but that is down to playing a different way, other players have stepped up and taken the responsibility.

"I am very pleased with that department.

"We have found the right mixture in our attacking play and the solutions to be an effective unit going forward."

Villa boss Alex McLeish

'I am amazed by that statistic (never beaten the Latics at home in the league). I'd like to put that right.'

'Some day Aston Villa will beat Wigan at home. Why can't it be tomorrow?'

Bent and Heskey are back but it looks unlikely that Jermain Jenas will be fit to make his debut, James Collins will undergo a late fitness test.

Villa from:
Given, Hutton, Warnock, Dunne, Collins, Ireland, N'Zogbia, Delph, Petrov,Bannon, Agbonlahor, Albrighton, Heskey, Bent, Orr Connolly, Buzsaky

Who else?


By permission of Bernard Platt/Wigan Athletic

Emmerson Boyce returns but Steve Gohouri and Antolin Alcaraz are missing from defence whilst Hugo Rodallega is at least four weeks away from coming back.

Latics from:Al-Habsi; Boyce, Caldwell, Figueroa, Van Aanholt, Diame, Watson, McArthur, McCarthy, Moses, Di Santo, Sammon, Gomez, Stam, Kirkland, Crusat, Maloney, Jones, McManaman

The young Dutchman has been something of a revelation so far


By permission of Bernard Platt/Wigan Athletic

Latics and Villa have met 12 times in the Premier League

Latics have 4 wins, Villa 3, draws 5

Last Six Meetings

07/05/11 - Premier League - Aston Villa 1 Latics 1
25/01/11 - Premier League - Latics 1 Aston Villa 2
16/03/10 - Premier League - Latics 1 Aston Villa 2
15/08/09 - Premier League - Aston Villa 0 Latics 2
31/01/09 - Premier League - Aston Villa 0 Latics 0
26/10/08 - Premier League - Latics 0 Aston Villa 4

Why not take a look at our excellent 'Stat Attack' article

Mark Clattenburg (Co Durham)

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

Mark Clattenburg Card Watch 2011/12

Games - 4, yellows - 8, reds - 1

Head says 1-1

Heart says 1-1, so 1-1 it is then

Premier League
Latics v Bolton Wanderers
DW Stadium
Saturday
15/10/11
3pm













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