Team News

Both sides have no new injury worries so will probably be able to field unchanged sides. Kevin Phillips will be unavailable due to a foot injury.

Last Meeting

Our last trip to Wigan took place in April 2008 and ended in a dismal 2-0 defeat with Damien Johnson getting sent off. Ryan Taylor scored both goals for Wigan. It was a poor performance that is best forgotten.

Recent Form

Blues sit third in the current form table behind only Chelsea and Manchester United and are unbeaten in five games. Wigan have had a mixed time losing 9-1 to Tottenham but following that with a victory over Sunderland. They are unbeaten in five games at home including a win over Chelsea.

Outlook

I have to say that I’m a bit worried about this game. Not the result but the weather. I’ve got a seat in row three and I’m expecting a soaking which coupled with bitterly cold northern winds will lead to a bout of pneumonia. I suppose I’ve got to hope for a good performance to warm my cockles.

I would expect more of the same from the last few weeks. A solid defensive display with not a lot of goal mouth action. To be honest Blues can afford can slip up here due to the results we’ve had in the last few weeks. If asked in early November if they would accept four points from Liverpool. Wolves and Wigan away most fans would say yes. As this game is followed by two winnable home games against West Ham and Blackburn the target of twenty points at Christmas should be achieved anyway.

A lot will depend on whether we meet the Wigan of White Hart Lane or last weeks team. I’m glad that we didn’t play them last week as there was always going to be a reaction after their mauling by Spurs. They would also have had the extra motivation of the visit of former boss Steve Bruce (We know what that’s like!)

For us the key is to get the ball forward quickly so that Benitez and Jerome can use their pace to trouble Bramble and co. We’ve also got to get McFadden in the game more and not just by aiming goal kicks at his head. Set pieces will be important for both sides. Here’s hoping for a five goal thriller but the reality I expect will be less exciting.

My prediction. 0-0.