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Looks like money can't buy enough replacements in time for Saturday's game. Chelsea skipper John Terry's long awaited return (from a Chelsea viewpoint) has been pushed back after the England captain picked up an injury in training.
Fellow defendee Boulahrouz is also out (although that is actually a bad thing, he is poor) meaning Chelsea are left with just Ferreira and Carvalho at the back. Winger Joe Cole is also out for Saturday, while Claude Makelele faces a late fitness test.
A chelsea side without John Terry and Petre Cech in goal has proved to be a lot more vulnerable at the back, with teams having a go at the current Premier League Champions. In their last four league games, they have conceded six goals, both Cech and Terry were missing for those games.
It is with this thought in mind that Paul Jewell can take his floundering Wigan troops to Stamford Bridge, cautiously confident of snatching something.
Although on their worst league run ever (a record five consecutive defeats) the potential forward line of McCulloch and Heskey will no doubt cause problems to a Chelsea defence which according to their manager is incapable of defending.
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With that sentiment, McCulloch and Heskey are both tall, strong strikers who are great in the air. Wigan go to Chelsea with few options to choose from. David Wright and Gary Teale have moved onto pastures new, Teale in particular could prove a massive loss.
Injuries are still ravaging the squad. Henri Camara and Paul Scharner are both set to miss the game, while skipper Arjan De Zeeuw is set for a lenghty rest to get back to full fitness.
Jewell is hopeful of having Josip Skoko back for the trip, and it looks likely that new signing Granqvist is expected to make his league debut, with fellow debutee Haestad on stanby in case Skoko fails to make the game.
Prior to leaving for the capital, Jewell issued a rallying call to everyone involved with Wigan Athletic: "We are having a tough time, but this is when people have to stand up and be counted - me, the players, coaching staff and supporters.
"We all come under the Wigan Athletic banner, so let's get begind each other and fight for the same cause."
Hear hear!
Ones to Watch
20-goal hitman Didier Drogba must be kept quiet or he will cause damage. Also, watch out for any Chelsea player who has the ball around our box in injury time.
Pundits Prediciton
Mark Lawrenson says we are in a mess. Thanks mate. he's gone for a 2-0 Chelsea victory. Sky Sports are kinder in their words, but still go for a 2-1 home win.
My Prediction
All Wigan fans must remain positive, and with Chelsea in a bit of turmoil, i hope we can pick up our first points against a top four side.
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