Sunday, September 19th 2010, 3PM.
Manchester City travel to the DW Stadium on Sunday afternoon with a lift in confidence thanks to Thursday’s professional performance in Salzburg, but also with a sense of frustration having only secured one point in the last two Premier League outings. At Sunderland, spurned opportunities proved costly when Darren Bent slotted home a gutwrenching last minute penalty, and a week ago at Eastlands, Blackburn rode their luck to take an unlikely point away with Patrick Vieira’s second half finish not enough on the day after an uncharacteristic moment of madness from Joe Hart left Niko Kalinic with the easy task of an empty net.
Wigan are a tough proposition if the form book is anything to go by; City have never beaten the Latics since their stadium move in 2002. Having suffered a shock 4-0 home defeat to newly promoted Blackpool and a 6-0 demolition at the hands of champions Chelsea in the first two weeks of the season, Wigan were fast becoming the bookmakers’ favourite for the drop. But performances have improved drastically since then, with a League Cup win at Hartlepool squeezed in between a hugely impressive away victory over Spurs and a point against Sunderland last weekend. Roberto Martinez has far from the resources that his namesake at City does at his disposal, but results and performances at times both last season and this show the burgeoning young manager has the ability to, at the very least, keep Wigan afloat.
Key Players
Wigan-
Hugo Rodallega- The Colombian striker has settled well in England since arriving from Necaxa 18 months ago and has weighed in with crucial, and sometimes spectacular efforts. Equally adept on either flank or through the middle, Rodallega will ask questions of City’s defence thanks to his excellent first touch, strength and pace.
Charles N’Zogbia- Following a summer of unrest in which the Frenchman first refused to train in order to force through a transfer, and then refused a contract offer from Birmingham, one might wonder how valuable a contribution he can make now that the transfer window has shut. He has stressed his desire to perform well for the Latics, though, and is undoubtedly one of their most talented players. Pacy, skillful and with a thunderous left foot, the winger will keep Micah Richards busy all afternoon should he be selected.
City-
Nigel de Jong- Since arriving from Hamburg in January 2009, de Jong has won over the hearts of City fans everywhere with his consistent doggedness and appetite for the game. Having made it all the way to the World Cup Final in the Summer with the Netherlands, he’s come back looking better than ever and his presence was missed last weekend. His tackling prowess aside, the nature of City’s system where full-backs are encouraged to attack regularly gives de Jong the added responsibility of covering the spaces they vacacte and did so expertly on Thursday night.
James Milner- Quietly impressive since signing at the end of August, Milner sat out the European game in midweek and will expect to return here. Noted for his spirited performances away from home during his time at Aston Villa, City fans will hope he can be the driving force needed from midfield, and maybe even bag his first goal. They’re usually not tap-ins.
Last Season-
City managed to take a point home with them last season despite Pablo Zabaleta’s red card early in the second half. Charles N’Zogbia opened the scoring for Wigan, but Martin Petrov replied instantly a minute later with a tidy finish from 15 yards out. This was the second in that best forgotten series of draws last season that ultimately cost Mark Hughes his job.
This time-
A point simply isn’t an option for City. Had maximum points been secured in recent weeks, perhaps there’d be some breathing space, but with Spurs winning over the weekend and Chelsea and Arsenal pulling away with scintillating performances, it’s time for a win if any hopes of a title challenge can be considered realistic. Wigan have made life difficult for City in the past, and have performed well in recent weeks, but ulimately, the Blues have never enjoyed the luxury of a squad this deep with quality, irrespective of current injuries.
I expect a relatively open game, given the nature of Wigan’s newlyfound passing style, which should suit City perfectly. Once the defence that has only conceded twice in seven games thus far stays focused and deals with Wigan’s threat professionally, the pace and power of Milner and Johnson and the creative spark of messieurs Tevez and Silva at their disposal should manage to overcome Wigan, even if it’s no stroll in the park. A cliché it may have become, but on the back of European games, the win and not its attractiveness is key.
Prediction– Wigan 0-2 City
Thanks go to Colin The King for writing this brilliant preview.