Preview: Wigan catch the Villains for Five?

As what usually happens when a club brings in a new manager, Martin O'Neil has had an immediate reaction from his players. However, unlike other clubs, the reaction to O'Neil's arrival has not waned. Instead, Aston Villa have continued to exceed expectations this season, currently sitting fourth on 21 points.

Henri Camara: In great form for Wigan

As well as that, Villa under, O'Neil's tutelage, have suffered just one loss in their 12 Premiership games away at Liverpool when they were defeated 3-1.

Yet, despite their obviously fantastic start, it has been away from home where the Birmingham side have suffered. In six away games, the Villains have won and lost one, drawing the other four.

Wigan Athletic have climbed to the dizzy heights of eight, thanks to victories over Manchester City, Fulham, Bolton and Charlton. it must also be mentioned that Wigan, despite their shaky first seven games this season (where they won just one game), sit just four points behind Sundays opponents, who believe they have made a fantastic start to their campaign.

That stat throws Wigan's season into retrospect, that despite a poor start, Wigan are within touching distance of the top six. I guess when you look at this, Wigan haven't had such a bad start to the season after all.

Wigan boss Paul Jewell has paid tribute to his players, after their recent run of form turned the Latics season around in emphatic fashion/

Jewell told Wigan's official website: "asked for more resilience from the players and they've given me that. The confidence in our dressing room is really high at the moment. We have shown that we have the players who can hurt teams and I want the players to continue believing in themselves."

DeZeeuw: A doubt for Sundays clash

Jewell also paid tribute to his opposite number this season: "Martin O'Neill has proved once again how important confidence is to a team, because with more or less the same players who struggled last season, he has transformed Aston Villa and they will be a threat."

Villa will pose even more of a threat with news that, other than Gavin McCann's suspension, they have a full squad to choose from.

Wigan, on the other hand, are still ravaged with injuries. Gary Teale is almost certain to miss out, whilst the duo of Fitz Hall and Josip Skoko (despite making significant progress) may be forced to take places on the bench due to injuries.

Skipper Arjan DeZeeuw is also a major doubt due to a foot injury, the influential defender needed two painkilling injections for the game against Charlton. Emile Heskey could also make a return on the bench, whilst Leighton Baines is expected to be fit despite picking up a knock playing for the England Under 21s.

Ones To Watch

Villa skipper Gareth Barry, like Leighton Baines, can feel somewhat dissapointed after being snubbed by Steve McClaren. Barry has been in magnificent form and like the younger Baines should recieve call-ups for the next friendly against Spain.

Pundits Predictions

A double whammy from Sky Sports this week, as Sky go for honours even at 1-1. Sky pundit Matt Le Tissier also believes the game will end 1-1. Mark Lawrenson however has given Wigan the kiss of death, claiming the Latics will run out 2-1 winners.

My Prediction

Regular readers will realise by now that while im getting the results correct a few times, i have yet to get a scorline right! This Sunday i'm expecting a tough game from two teams who work hard for each other.

Latics 1 Villains 1