Aston Villa were fantastic last season, despite falling behind in the last few months. The monumental effort that they put in at the start proved that they can match any club on their day and also proved that they can break into the top 4 this time round if they add to their squad and prevent from making a few mistakes. Stewart Downing, Habib Beye and Fabian Delph are the big summer signings and are all great additions to the Villa squad.
Martin O'Neill has a job on his hands this year to try and repeat what he achieved last year, Tottenham, Manchester City and Everton are all contenders to break into the top 4 and all will want European football in some capacity.
What can be certain is that Villa have a squad full of talent, most of which is English and with Ashley Young, James Milner and Emile Heskey playing a big role in the England game on Wednesday, O'Neill will be pleased he has such players to call on.
Roberto Martinez faces an interesting season. His first in the Premier League and back at the club which gave him his first break in England. Wigan will always have a special place in Martinez's heart and let's hope that the team can perform this season. The brand of football that will be played is getting everyone at the club excited and optimistic about what the season will bring.
The departures in the summer have seen Lee Cattermole move to Sunderland, Antonio Valencia move to Manchester United while Antoine Sibierski and Henri Camara have been released. Amr Zaki and Mido are no longer at the club after their loan spells ended as well.
On the transfers coming in, James McCarthy was signed from Hamilton Academicals, Hendry Thomas signed from Deportivo Olimpia, Jason Scotland arrives from Swansea, Jordi Gomez from Espanyol and Scott Sinclair from Chelsea on loan. All should be available on Saturday for the trip to Villa Park.
Wigan Predicted Line Up
Kirkland
Melchiot Boyce Bramble Edman
Scharner Brown
N'Zogbia Gomez Koumas
Scotland
Key Players for Aston Villa
James Milner - Made a great start to his England career on Wednesday night by setting up Jermain Defoe for the equaliser, Milner has pace and is very dangerous in the final third of the pitch. A constant threat.
Ashley Young - The PFA young player of the year has gained a fantastic reputation whilst at Villa. Young is comfortable on either wing and can win a game in a flash.
John Carew - With Milner and Young supplying the crosses, Carew gets into the position to be on the end of the crosses and adding the magic touch. His height gives any defender a problem and Boyce and Bramble will be busy all afternoon.
WIGANER.net Prediction
Wigan have a horrible record on the opening day of the season. The last win came back in the 2002/2003 season when the club won the old Division 2. A draw would be a credible result but defeat could be on the cards.
AVFC 2-1 WAFC
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