Fulham travel to the DW Stadium this weekend to take on Roberto Martinez`s Wigan squad.
It`s a fixture we`d like to think we can get a result from, especially with our current league position needing improvement.
But, with our away form being legendary for all the wrong reasons we can take nothing for granted.
Vital Quotes:
Wigan, like ourselves; are having a season blighted by the possibility of being sucked into a relegation battle. All those in the bottom third of the table need to string a win, or two, together to enhance their chances of finishing in mid-table.
The Wigan defender, Emerson Boyce, has spoken about what a win would do for Wigan tomorrow, remarking,
“The god thing is there are a lot of teams still closely bunched together at the bottom and if we beat Fulham then that brings them back into it.”
Let`s hope we can do the exact opposite and pull further away from Wigan then!
Wigan Team News:
Roberto Martinez has a few injury concerns ahead of the fixture tomorrow. Two of the possible stars of the future – Victor Moses and Tom Cleverley (on loan from Manchester United) as are Franco Di Santo and James McCarthy.
Chris Kirkland is another rated as doubtful after suffering a head blow in the last game against Bolton.
Back from suspension though will be Charles N`Zogbia.
Player to watch: Charles N`Zogbia
The shining jewel in the Wigan pack, it`s a shame his suspension couldn`t have lasted a game longer!
Fulham Team News:
Mark Hughes is still bereft of several leading members of his strike force. Bobby Zamora still remains on the long term injury list whilst Moussa Dembele and Andrew Johnson are still rated as doubtful.
Defenders Matthew Briggs and Philippe Senderos are also out whilst Mark Schwarzer will be absent through international duty.
Steve Sidwell, a January transfer window buy, could make his Fulham debut.
Player to watch: Diomansy Kamara
A hat-trick in his last game could provide ‘Joe` with the springboard needed to produce consistent performances!
Match Facts & Stats
The DW Stadium is not a happy-hunting ground. Fulham have not beaten Wigan there in the last ten meetings although we should point out the last four have been draws.
Perhaps the fact our form has improved, we`ve won three of the last four, may server us well when it comes to winning our second away fixture in three attempts.
Ref Watch:
The officials appointed for this game are – Anthony Taylor (referee), Andy Garratt and John Flynn (assistants) and Mike Jones (fourth official)
Match Prediction:
Firstly, Wigan are to be commended on offering two tickets for £20 in what is, for them, not the most attractive of fixtures. But the shelling out of less cash for more tickets should lessen the blow when it comes to the home side getting beat – 2-0 to Fulham!
Next Fixtures:
After our trip to Wigan we entertain Stoke City next weekend.
