Wigan under lights
Didn’t think I would be calling the visit of Wigan Athletic to The Valley a big game, but the Latics are one of the bigger fish in this division, with one of the largest player budgets, and a sizeable squad, which incidentally they have significantly trimmed following relegation and the end of their 4-year parachute payments that netted them a cool £59m.
The Latics are the first floodlit visitors to SE7 this season, and they surprisingly lost to early league leaders Shrewsbury on the weekend with Terrell Thomas and Will Grigg on the bench. Grigg came on but I’d expect Paul Cook to let him lose on us tomorrow. Grigg has just signed a new contract, which probably means he will move in the window for an even bigger fee than what we supposedly encountered in August.
Wigan have had three players sent off so far this season, two of which will sit out the game at The Valley, including the highly rated Ryan Colclough. Jason Pearce will play against his former team for the first time but worryingly Karl Robinson, himself linked with the vacant Wigan job in the summer, hinted that Kashi and Solly may not be fit enough to play twice in 3 days. Fortunately we have ready made replaceme.. oh.
A big early test of any promotion credentials tomorrow. COYR.
This really is the only drawback with the current squad. The Ben Reeves deal was allowed to drag on meaning he’s still off the pace which is worrying given it’s September. Hopefully can Magennis stay injury-free all season, something he hasn’t managed previously.
You didn’t think you would be calling the visit of Wigan Athletic a big game? They’re arguably the biggest team in the division. Look at their recent history.
True Alan. I guess I am old and remember them from before they were famous. I would argue that they are not a bigger fish than Blackburn in any estimation.