West Ham have been all over the place since their return to the Premier League. They have been to an FA Cup final, been in Europe (All be it brief), again been threatened with relegation and who can forget the Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano fiasco? It is safe to say that life as a West Ham fan is very enthralling.
When Alan Curbishley left the club earlier in the season, West Ham were doing brilliantly in the league. A fantastic start went downhill and were in amongst the fighters to stay outside the bottom three. Of course, it was very early in the season but people started to wonder whether the east London club would be fighting relegation come may. Then Gianfranco Zola arrived at the club. The former Chelsea player took to the helm and didn't have the best of starts, but now, hopes are high among West Ham fans that another European tour could be on the way but to push on towards this goal, they must get past a Wigan side with high ambitions of their own.
The game against Chelsea was upsetting to say the least. To play so well and come away with nothing was desperately unlucky especially after Olivier Kapo grabbed his first goal for the club. Titus Bramble shone in the centre of defence and did any hopes of an England call up no harm at all. Now though, attention turns to the JJB on Wednesday with a first home game in three weeks. A win is vital to build up confidence again and continue the push for Europe.
Wigan Team News
Olivier Kapo should keep his place in the Wigan side after a goal at the weekend, Mido looks likely to return to the starting XI after sitting out of the defeat to Chelsea. Lee Cattermole is available after doubts were raised about the midfielders card collection, Antonio Valencia may be on the bench as well as he returns from injury. Paul Scharner may be dropped to accommodate a four man midfield.
Wigan Predicted Line Up.
Kirkland
Melchiot Boyce Bramble Figueroa
Kapo Cattermole Brown N'Zogbia
Mido Zaki
Key Men for West Ham
Robert Green - Green has done ever so well since his arrival from Norwich and has featured for England on a few occasions. A solid 'keeper who is extremely brave and fights for the teams cause
Matthew Upson - The commanding centre half is another English player with a good future in football. Upson has had his injury problems in the past but is strong in the tackle and dominant in the air.
Scott Parker - The former Chelsea, Newcastle and Charlton player is a great midfielder who has almost joined the club in his Chelsea days. A very good passer of the ball and arrives in the box to pop up with the odd goal.
Carlton Cole - Cole has been a revelation since Gianfranco Zola took charge, a similar situation to Steve Bruce and Titus Bramble. Cole has been scoring for fun recently and is going to be a threat whenever the ball enters the Wigan penalty area on Wednesday night.
WIGANER.net Prediction
A very tough one to call and the game could go either way. A win for either side will bolster the chances for a European spot and I'm leaning towards Wigan. A game which is very important as we have now gone 7 without a win. A victory, but a very tough game.
WAFC 2-1 WHUFC
CLICK HERE FOR THE MESSAGEBOARD