Wigan Premier League Preview

Wigan have done tremendously well over the last six years to establish themselves within the Premier League. They have battled it out with the big boys of top-flight English football and more than held their own.

This season, however, many are predicting Wigan will lose the fight to stay up and will be back playing Championship football by this time next year.

Outside of the newly promoted sides, Wigan are favourites with the bookmakers to go down, with bet365 offering them at 7/4 for relegation. This seems like a good bet for the season as the Latics’ Premier League days certainly looked numbered.

Last season, Wigan just avoided the drop by the skin of their teeth after being in the bottom three for the majority of the season. They did well to hang onto manager Roberto Martinez after Aston Villa came calling during the summer but there are still a lot of problems at the club.

The Wigan squad is very lightweight and there are not many names in the side who can influence and lead the team this season. Also, players who have left over the summer have not been replaced adequately and performances are going to suffer.

Defenders Stephen Caldwell and Antonio Amaya have both moved on which has depleted the back line while Tom Cleverly returning to Manchester United after his loan spell has left a big hole in the middle of the park. On the wings, Charles N’Zogbia will be greatly missed while the only attacking threat left within the squad is Hugo Rodallega.

It is hard for Chairman Dave Whelan to attract high-calibre players to Wigan so they have always brilliantly managed to do with what they have got. This season though it might not be enough as this side looks destined to struggle for the entire campaign.