Wigan v QPR

Queens Park Rangers travel to Wigan Athletic looking for their second win of the season after earning their first Premier League victory since February 1996 at Everton last weekend. Times have changed dramatically for the West London club during the past few weeks with Formula one Tycoon Tony Fernandes taking over a large majority of shares at the club,  at approximately 66%, with Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore no longer involved with the club.

As a result Fernandes has promised transfer funds for Neil Warnock to strengthen the squad before the deadline on Wednesday evening. The R’s pulled off a massive transfer coup acquiring the services of the talented but controversial Joey Barton from Newcastle on Friday, putting pen to paper on a four- year deal. The deal all the more rewarding for the R’s considering they got Barton on a free transfer.

Neil Warnock is expected to experiment with his squad ahead of the game at the DW stadium. Danny Gabbidon could be reshuffled to left back, with Matt Connolly moving to right back, leaving a centre back partnership of Fitz Hall and Danny Shittu. Clint Hall is absent again for the R’s through suspension, but strike duo DJ Campbell and Jay Bothroyd are both fully fit after recovering from illness. Rangers are unbeaten in four on the road but face a stiff test in the North West with Wigan unbeaten at home since February.

Roberto Martinez will definitely be without Antolin Alcaraz who will be sidelined for at least a month after suffering a torn thigh muscle against Swansea last weekend.Steve Gohouri also remains absent with a calf problem, while Victor Moses is a slight doubt with a groin strain. Ben Watson will be looking to get one over his old club when Saturday afternoon comes, after being rewarded for his fine form with a new contract with the Latics. “I’ve had two really good years here at Wigan and I am delighted to have signed a new contract with the club. Hopefully the week will end with three points on Saturday.”

Rangers’ main basis for success in the Championship last season was their outstanding defensive record. Rangers also had the best away record in the league managing 39 points from their 23 away games, with ten wins along the way. Wigan however were the second lowest scorers in the Premier League last season with 40 goals, with Birmingham the only team to worsen that record. The last six visits between the team have ended in draws, and another draw on Saturday afternoon would be no surprise between two teams fairly even matched and with similar ambitions for the season, to survive in the Barclays Premier League.

Prediction: Wigan 2-2 Queens Park Rangers- It should be an evenly matched contest at the DW Stadium with both sides looking to attack each other. Don’t be surprised if DJ Campbell opens his account for the R’s in the Premier League this weekend.

Key Man: DJ Campbell- The self-confessed Rangers fan ‘returned home’ after sealing a $1.25 million move to the West Londoners last month. His fine form for Blackpool last season failed to save the Tangerines from relegation, but his 13 goals alerted many Premier League clubs, with the R’s always Campbell’s first choice to move to.

Key Man: Hugo Rodallega- The Latics frontman is a pivotal part of the Wigan squad and Roberto Martinez will be delighted to still have the Columbian after continued interest from a number of clubs in his striker.

Match Odds: Wigan (11/8) Draw (9/4) QPR (23/10)

Sean Gallagher

Comments

[Laticus]

How wrong can you be. A thumping 2-0 to the Latics.