Villa v Wigan Preview

Villa were a big club. So what? Wigan have taken on all comers this season and not been out of place. Yes, we can look at history and fear these teams heritage, but at the end of the day, it is 11 v 11 and Wigan have the battle to take Villa on and continue our superb start to the season. The critics can say we will fade as much as they want, we know differently...don't we?

Paul Jewell said: 'Villa's match on Sunday against Birmingham was a hard fought victory, a typical derby game. Years ago they won the European Cup, and I know that David O'Leary has said that they are a million miles away from that, but they are one of the major clubs in the country with brilliant support, and a great stadium, good facilities, great players, and I'm sure if they get all their players fit they'll be challenging for a European place. This is a major test for us.'

Steven Davis said 'We gave the fans something to smile about on Sunday, but we still owe them after the last home performance. We let ourselves down against Middlesbrough. The gaffer made that clear enough and pointed out a few things when the players came back from international duty and we were much better against Blues. We need to make Villa Park a fortress again.

Villa have an injury crisis. Altogether now, ahhhhh! Their new left back Bouma, joins their other left back Samuel, on the treatment table. Delaney could return, but Cahill and Laursen are both out, the latter being out for the rest of the season. Davis and Sorenson are Villa's only remaining ever presents this season. DOL says that Baros is also not available for selection after he aggravated an injury playing for the Czechs.

They all seem to be raving about him, and he can add goals from midfield, so lets see what all the fuss is about!

Midfield Lee McCulloch starts a three-match suspension following his red card against Newcastle. Alan Mahon, Steve McMillan and Josip Skoko are fighting for his place. Captain Arjan de Zeeuw has a knee injury but should be fit to play. David Connolly is pushing to start the up front.

Take the game to Villa and our players will come out the victors.

Wigan are 6th with 16 points.
Best case 2nd.
Worst case 8th.
Current form league 2nd.
Last six games: W W D W W W
Away form league: 8th. 2 wins, 1 loss.

Villa are 14th with 9 points.
Best Case: 11th (mathematically higher on goal difference).
Worst case: 18th
Current form league: 14th
Last six games: W L D L L W
Home form league: 11th. 1 win, 2 draws, 1 loss

Head to heads in the leagues: No data. The only head to head was in the League Cup 94/95. Villa won 8-0 on aggregate.

Richard Beeby. 1 match, 0 reds, 3 yellows.

Villa will be a tough team to break down, but with their injury list, Wigan can come home with all 3 points. Away win, 1-0.

29/10/05 FULHAM
05/11/05 (Portsmouth)
19/11/05 ARSENAL

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