Wigan Ath vs Charlton Ath | Friday 20th Feb 2015 | Match Preview, Teams, Predictions, News & Views

Wigan Athletic vs Charlton Athletic
7.45pm Kick-Off
Referee – CHRISTOPHER KAVANAGH

INTRODUCTION

Despite the uncertainty off the pitch with certain boardroom decisions and actions, last Saturday’s 3-0 convincing and fairly comfortable victory over Brentford has lifted the mood a little and a Friday night victory over Wigan would see the Addicks achieve back-to-back victories for the first time since August.

While life at The Valley has been a bit of a rollercoaster in the past twelve months, the feeling at Wigan must be very similar.

After reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup last season, the Latics were tipped to get promoted this campaign, but a tough start to the season as well as the off-the-field allegations surrounding chairman Dave Whelan has seen Wigan decline to the relegation zone of the Championship.

A win for the hosts would mean they would be only three points off 21st place, while victory for Guy Luzon’s side could take them up to 12th place as long as Birmingham do not get any points against Middlesbrough tonight (Wednesday).

THE OPPOSITION

As mentioned before, Wigan’s recent decline in the last few years has been a real eye-opener.

It’s likely that the Lancashire side will be down towards the bottom of the Championship at the end of the season, unless manager Malky Mackay can help stabilise the team and lead them to a ‘great escape’.

Before Tuesday night, Wigan had only one won once since Mackay took over in November, but after defeating Reading 1-0 at the Madejski Stadium in midweek, some confidence may have been injected into the side ahead of the tie on Friday night.

January’s transfer window was a busy one for Mackay and Wigan as a number of players came in and out of the DW stadium. Harry Maguire and youngster Seyi Ojo arrived on loan from Hull and Liverpool respectively, while Kim Bo-Kyung arrived from Cardiff to link up with Mackay again, despite the 42 year-old’s infamous texts about the South Korean international.

ONE TO WATCH – JAMES McCLEAN

My player to watch this weekend is Wigan winger: James McClean.

The midfielder was once a regular feature in the Premier League and his talents looked as if he was going to have a long career in the division.

However, he has been unable to help Wigan out the relegation zone as yet, but still shouldn’t be underestimated.

On his day, McClean can cause a number of problems with his favourable left-foot and his pace down the wing.

If Wigan are going to get anything out of the game on Friday night, they shall be looking at the Republic of Ireland international to be at his best and guide his side to victory.

LINE-UP

Luzon’s selection against Brentford was spot on and if it wasn’t for enforced injury changes, I’m certain the Israeli would have kept the same side.

Stephen Henderson will hopefully be fit enough after showing what the Addicks missed in his solid performance against the Bees.

In defence, Chris Solly is likely to start at right-back, while Roger Johnson will hopefully be fit enough after cracking a rib last weekend. Rhoys Wiggins is likely to miss out following a first-half injury last Saturday, so Morgan Fox should deputise again.

In midfield, Yoni Buyens should replace the injured Johnnie Jackson although Christophe Lepoint will also be in contention to replace the skipper.

Frederic Bulot is likely to keep his place on the left side of midfield after his brilliant performance last Saturday.

Igor Vetokele and Tony Watt will hopefully be fit enough to partner each other upfront again.

PREDICTION

A solid performance and a win to go with it.

Wigan Athletic 0-1 Charlton Athletic