Latics v QPR Preview

A massive game for both clubs, the Latics will want to put more distance between themselves and the bottom of the table, whilst QPR are desperate for that first win of the season.

The most interesting aspect of the game though will be what team Martinez puts out. Suggestions that he will change his formation I believe are wide of the mark, every level of the club play the same style so that players can slot into the system, the more I think about it the more I see young Roman Golobart stepping up, I just hope he's ready

Redknapp will have his team fired up, but if we stay strong and play as we can, especially going forward, then I see no reason why we can't get a positive result

Latics boss Roberto Martinez:

'Harry has brought a very different approach to the situation QPR are in.

'We know that one victory will galvanise their season, and we need to be very wary of their strengths.

'The quality in the squad is far higher than the sum of points they have picked up so far, and we will have to be at our best to win the 
game.'

'You look at the quality in their squad and they have the potential to be challenging for the top 10 in the Premier League.

'And that's something that, by March or April, they will feel they should be moving towards.

'For whatever reason they haven't clicked as a team yet, but integrating several new signings does take time - and we'll have to be on our 
guard.'

QPR boss Harry Redknapp:

'Wigan have a couple of centre halves out. And they play three central defenders - not many play that way. But they're strong up front.

'I like their manager, Roberto (Martinez) - he's done a fantastic job. I like the owner, Dave Whelan - a former footballer and a self-made man.'

Miyaichi, Crusat, Ramis, Alcaraz, Watson, Caldwell and Figueroa are all definitely out.

Shaun Maloney will face a late fitness test though it's more likely next Saturday when the Latics playmaker will be back

The big debate is over who will come into defence alongside Boyce, Lopez is a cert but then...

Latics possible Al Habsi, Boyce, Lopez, Golobart, McCarthy, McArthur, Stam, Beausejour, Gomez, Di Santo, Kone

Boycey was outstanding on Monday night up at Newcastle, today, with the missing defenders, we will once again need a massive game from Mr Boyce

Julio Cesar is doubtful, but Mbia Diakite are back

QPR possible Green, Bosingwa, Nelsen, Hill, Traore, Diakite, Mbia, Granero, Taarabt, Wright-Phillips, Mackie.

All action striker with an eye for goal

The Latics and the Hoops have only met 8 times in the past and just twice in the top division

Latics 2 wins, QPR 3, draws 3. In the Premier League it's a win apiece.

Last Six Meetings

21 Jan 2012 - Premier League - QPR 3 Latics 1
27 Aug 2011 - Premier League - Latics 2 QPR 0
23 Apr 2005 - Championship - Latics 0 QPR 0
13 Nov 2004 - Championship - QPR 1 Latics 0
22 Mar 2003 - League Division One - QPR 0 Latics 1
29 Oct 2002 - League Division One - Latics 1 QPR 1

Phil DOwd (Staffordshire)

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

Phil Dowd Card Watch 2012/13

Games - 14, yellows - 54, reds - 3

Head says close game, 1-1

Heart still saying close game, but 1-0 Latics win, as always going with the heart

Premier League
Norwich v Latics
Carrow Road
Saturday
15/12/12
3pm

Latics v Arsenal
DW Stadium
Saturday
22/12/12
12:45pm

The latest PWU podcast is now available for download, in the studio this week are Barry, Rob, Gareth and Dan. The Newcastle game is reviewed and the QPR game is previewed.

You can download the podcast from itunes, you can download from our hosting site www.buzzsprout.com , or simply click play on the embedded player below

As always feedback, both positive and negative is welcome and if you want to get involved in the recording of future episodes please contact us at wigan@vitalfootball.co.uk marking your email 'Podcast'



Barry, Rob, Gareth & Dan in't studio

Vital F1 Prediction League - Join now for Spain