Preview: Home campaign kick-off!

Last updated : 13 August 2007 By Liam Cooper
As traditions go, Latics are slow starters in the league. It is now six years since Wigan won a season opener.
Super Sib: Could start after weekend goal


Yet despite defeat, manager Chris Hutchings found many positives, as did the many boistorous Wigan fans who travelled the short distance to Everton.

Top of the list of positives was the many solid debuts by Hutching's signings. The new look back four, made up of three new signings, was solid - despite the two goals - with Andreas Granvqvist reacting to a late call up by putting in a man of the match performance.

He is expected to continue at the heart of the defence, partnering Titus Bramble; who also had a solid debut, whilst Antoine Sibierski should start ahead of Caleb Folan, who failed to stamp his authority on the game.

Kiilbane: Make-shift left-back for Wednesday

Jason Koumas, the major signing of the summer, showed glimpses of his talent, although only truly shone when he was move into the centre late on. Despite his positive centre cameo, he should continue on the left flank, at least until Kevin Kilbane is free from left-back duties.

And despite being linked with Preston left-back Matthew Hill, it isn't expected that a left-back will be signed in time.

And finally, the fluidity of the Sibierski goal shows promise that scoring goals won't be the struggle it proved to be last season.

Wednesdays oponents Middlesbrough got off to a similar start as Wigan, losing 2-1 at home to Blackburn Rovers and will also hope to register their first point of the season.

A good home campaign is paramount if Wigan are to defy the odds again and win a fourth Premiership campaign, and although few conclusions can be made after just three games, two home wins within the next week will help set the Latics on the right path.

One to Watch

The unsettled Yakubu is Boro's main goal threat. Mark Viduka is a huge loss for Gareth Southgates team, with the pressure to score goals now even greater on the Nigerian international.

My Prediction

Chris Hutchings will know, despite positive reactions on Saturday, that a win is needed early, not only to get the ball rolling, but also to keep the Wigan faithful on his side early on.

Latics 2 Boro 1 (Sibierski, Heskey)