The eloquent and confident Roberto Martinez had big plans and high hopes when the season began, and must be scratching his head at finding his squad nestled comfortably in 18th place for yet another relegation battle. And had you enquired early in the season about a double Gameweek for Wigan in January, the feedback would have screamed without hesitation, “Grab Boselli.” But, Mauro the goalscoring savior never materialised, cost many of valuable Fantasy coin, and most recently moved on to Italy.
Adjust as we must as expectations and projections settle, it is difficult to get excited about a Wigan double that includes a trip to the Emirates and a relegation showdown with Aston Villa. Recognising that one Latics player this week will likely qualify you as reckless and that two or three will either certify you as a Wigan fan, or have you taken away for a sanity check, it’s nonetheless worth noting that while Boselli may have struggled, some old favorites have ticked along quite nicely and a few new prospects have even emerged….
The Opponents
The double Gameweek opens for Wigan against Arsenal on Saturday at the Emirates. The Arsenal attack is flying high, with two or more goals in 9 of the last 11 league games. Arsenal have been held scoreless on only four occasions this season, and three of those opponents were Chelsea, Man United, and Man City. While the crisp passing game is the Gunners’ trademark, Arsenal have tightened their defence in recent weeks and run off three clean sheets in a row. It’s perhaps a little harsh given that Wigan secured a 2-2 draw against Arsenal at home less than three weeks ago, but the Latics look unlikely to get anything from this fixture.
Three days later, Wigan will host Aston Villa in a massive game for each club. The squads are currently tied on 22 points from 22 games, with Villa resting above the relegation line based only on goal difference. Villa have been surprisingly porous defensively this season, with the 39 goals conceded thus far, equaling the total conceded for the entirety of the 2009-10 season. Gerard Houllier’s side have not secured a clean sheet since October and their only victory on the road this season came back in September at Wolves. However, with Darren Bent arriving at Villa Park and rumors swirling about others who may be coming or going, the visitors could well go into this game with a new level of confidence making this fixture a tough and unpredictable one to call. A score draw looks the most likely outcome.
When considering any Wigan acquisitions, it’s worth noting that the Latics do at least follow the double Gameweek with a couple of easier games (wba, BLA) , these are followed by several tougher outings however(liv, MUN, mcy).
Current Form
Given where they sit in the table, Wigan’s form is predictably below average, with 1 win, 5 draws, and 1 loss in the last 7 games. With 2 wins at home and 2 wins on the road this season, there is no discernable difference – they have struggled home and away. Most recently, Wigan put in a spirited display against Fulham. It was a wide open game and Wigan could easily have put the game away early with sharper finishing. While we may be so fortunate as to see a similar type of game against Villa, Wigan will have to convert every opportunity they get to have any chance of a result at Arsenal.
Rotation Risk
Rotation is always possible, but unless someone gets suspended (or someone ponies up £15 million for N’Zogbia), rotation is not likely for any of the top Fantasy targets. Unfortunately, the Gameweek looks to come too early for Tom Cleverley, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury – he would have presented more options for Matinez. As it is, the chances of any rotation look slim given the resources available.
Potential Targets
With the Arsenal game practically being written off entirely for Wigan Fantasy returns, the top Wigan prospects read as follows:
Charles N’Zogbia
Transfer rumours have persisted since the season began, but in the meantime N’Zogbia has showed no fear in is willingness to take on opponents one-on-one, and he stands atop the OPTA stats for successful dribbles by virtue of his numerous solo attacking forays. N’Zogbia has 3 goals and 4 assists on the season and leads all Wigan scorers with 81 points, despite having missed out on 4 games. N’Zogbia leads the squad with 19 bonus points on the season and would be expected to see some returns if Wigan gain a positive result.
Predicted return: 1 assist, 3 Bonus points
Hugo Rodallega
Originally expected to take up a less central position following Boselli’s arrival, Rodallega has put together a workmanlike season, with 6 goals, 2 assists, and 15 bonus points. He currently trails N’Zogbia by only 2 overall points for the title of top Wigan Fantasy scorer. Rodallega converted his easiest opportunity this past weekend against Fulham, and depending on whether you are a glass half full or half empty sort, he could easily have scored two or three with more clinical finishing.
Predicted return: 1 goal, 1 Bonus point
Ali Al-Habsi
On loan from Bolton, Al-Habsi has seized his opportunity with Chris Kirkland injured and played with confidence and flair under less than ideal defensive circumstances. Although a clean in either game looks unlikely, he is priced right at 4.1 and will certainly get the opportunity for saves in the first game at the Emirates.
Predicted return: No clean sheets, 7 saves.
Antolin Alcaraz
Alcaraz has adapted quickly to the Premier League, getting regular minutes from day one and leading the squad in virtually all defending categories. His efforts have not gone unnoticed by the Bonus Point judges – with 10 awarded over the season, Alcaraz is one of Wigan’s top 3 Bonus recipients and one of the few defenders to have hit double digits on the season.
Predicted return: No clean sheets, 2 Bonus points.
Ronnie Stam
Stam gets a quick shout-out as a defender who is currently playing out of position in the right of midfield, and appears to be pushed even further forward with Cleverley absent. In his last two games, Stam scored a goal against Bolton and had a cross against Fulham that was headed off the post. Stam offers potential attacking prospects in a double Gameweek where defensive returns seem unlikely.
Predicted return: No clean sheets, but fingers crossed for possible attacking returns.
