Last season, Wigan went to Stamford Bridge and put a huge dent in the title hopes of the London club and went a step closer to securing survival. Now, the club travel down to London knowing that anything is possible. Chelsea are only just starting to put things right on the pitch after a topsy-turvy few months in the Premier League. Two successive 1-0 victories over Aston Villa and Juventus has reignited confidence into the Chelsea squad thanks to the arrival of the Russian national team manager.
Felipe Scolari had his tenure ended earlier this month after only 36 games in the job despite having one of the best records in football. The problem with Chelsea now is that after the success of Jose Mourinho, every single manager who takes the hotseat at the club will be compared to the former manager after his fantastic time at the club.
Wigan go into this game in an inconsistent bit of form, 4 games unbeaten, not conceded a goal in three games but without a win since Tottenham at the beginning of January. Boss Steve Bruce has admitted he may freshen things up for the game in London as he looks to games ahead with West Ham, Sunderland and Hull City all to come next month.
Wigan Team News
Mido returns to the squad after being ineligible for the game at Middlesbrough but may have to settle for a place on the bench, Antonio Valencia looks likely to miss out with the game against West Ham a possible return, Ben Watson is suspended, Paul Scharner should be in contention after falling ill before the Middlesbrough game, Daniel de Ridder may also be back in the fold alongside Jason Koumas. Hugo Rodallega may be given a start at Stamford Bridge.
Wigan Predicted Line Up
Kirkland
Melchiot Boyce Bramble Figueroa
De Ridder Cattermole Brown N'Zogbia
Zaki Rodallega
Key Players For Chelsea
Petr Cech - The Czech Republic 'keeper is one of the best stoppers in the world. Has established himself as the clubs number one 'keeper and has been playing well in recent games.
John Terry - The England skipper is a seasoned professional at the club after coming through the youth academy at the club. Strong in the tackle and a fantastic leader for club and country.
Frank Lampard - Lampard has sorted his future out with the club now but has not scored as many goals as he has done in recent seasons so far. A great range of passing and a known scorer of goals from distance.
Nicolas Anelka - The Premier League's top goal scorer at the moment and is one of the best box finishers in the world. What he lacks in work rate he makes up for in goals scored. Very underrated player.
WIGANER.net Prediction
A tough game for the club and a defeat may be on the cards against a rejuvenated Chelsea. Against the 'Top Four' this season, defeats have been narrow away from home and this could follow suit. We will make it hard for Chelsea and may snatch a late goal to equalise if the opportunity arises.
CFC 1-0 WAFC
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