We certainly weren’t at our best last week against Arsenal. Watching the game, I thought that Arsenal looked very, very good even though we probably helped them in that aspect given how poor we were. To be honest, I didn’t expect a result against a side in such good form, that’s not being negative, just realistic. Saturday’s game is the big one and I’d go as far as saying that a point tomorrow could do us the world of good come the end of the season.
Games against West Brom in recent years have always been entertaining and I’m sure that the game tomorrow will be as well. The Baggies have had a mixed season so far, a consistent and unspectacular start keeps them in the mix for relegation but with Roy Hodgson at the helm, dropping down to The Championship looks a very unlikely scenario. They have the potential to score goals in Shane Long and Peter Odemwingie, plenty of creativity in Chris Brunt and James Morrison and of course former fans favourite at the DW, Paul Scharner available to them.
Wigan team news
Antolin Alcaraz returns from his 3 game suspension and could make an immediate return to the first team. Emmerson Boyce is also available after missing the last few games. Martinez could make numerous changes to the team after the result last week. Hugo Rodallega could also return to the starting line up.
Predicted Wigan line up
Al-Habsi
Stam Caldwell Alcaraz Figueroa
Gomez Diame McCarthy Jones Moses
Rodallega
What the Chairman has to say on Bobby’s future
"Sacking him isn't even a consideration. Roberto is a fantastic, honest manager who knows our strengths and weaknesses. There will be no way I will sack him. And if we did get relegated to the Championship I have every faith in him to get us promoted again.’’ Dave Whelan told The Independent
Key player for West Brom
Paul Scharner – We all know what Scharner has to offer in games and will be a thorn in our side tomorrow. Good in the air, solid in the tackle and always one to play to the crowd, Scharner will want to prove a point against his former club by getting the 3 points.
Wiganer.net Prediction
A tough game to call but we have a decent record against West Brom. A lot will depend on the team that Bobby selects and whether we can offer more of a threat in front of goal than we did last week. The away allocation has been sold out thanks to the very well priced tickets offered by the opposition so the team will be roared on by a large number of fans who can offer a lot of support. I fancy us for a point against a side struggling at home.
WBA 1-1 WAFC