Wigan – Martinez has a mountain to climb
By David, BettingExpert.com | Edited
At one point last season the Latics looked doomed for relegation. A final push and some good managerial skills by Martinez proved crucial for them to maintain their Premier League status. After a number of changes this time it looks like they are favourites to replace one of the newly promoted sides back to the Championship when sums are drawn and points counted at the end of the season.
Manager: Martinez
Tactics: 4-5-1
Players In: Al Habsi, David Jones
Players Out: N’Zogbia, Caldwell, de Ridder, Boselli, Koumas
Current Probable Formation: Al Habsi, Boyce, Alcaraz, G. Caldwell, Figueroa, Moses, Thomas, Watson, J. McCarthy, Diame, Rodallega
As the ship looked like sinking last season club president David Whelan had admitted that theirs had been a good run in the top flight, quite unexpected as well that it had lasted six years and now going into their seventh.
On the basis of that belief he has not lost any sleep in thinking who they might bring on in order to avoid a fight for the drop this season. Cash was pocketed from the sale of N’Zogbia to Aston Villa and none waved around for new arrivals.
The talented midfielder had been one of the supporting columns of Martinez’s team over the past seasons but growing increasingly aware of the loss of ambition at the club he had asked to be transferred. He should be happier at Villa now. Team star player Rodallega should not be though and he may be next in line to deliver a transfer request to the club.
The job will be difficult for the Colombian international to guarantee the goals necessary for survival all by himself. Last season his nine goals proved enough only because matched by another nine from the now departed N’Zogbia. Cleverly, back to parent club United, had scored three. Five assists, the highest number for the club last season were provided by, yeah you guessed right, N’Zogbia. And another two by Cleverley.
The team has had to give on a big chuck of last year’s fortunes when selling N’Zogbia and failing to retain the services of Cleverley. How will things turn out for them this season? The clear answer would be ‘a disaster’ unless they bring on players who can do the job in attack. Rodallega will need support.
Moses, Watson, James McCarthy and Diame all played their part in the total goals and assists tally last season. With Thomas they form a reliable midfield. However, compared to the competition they may not be as capable. The team has had some good passing and enjoyed some good football at times last year. When it came to scoring goals, however, they were far from alright. Gomez and McArthur are the midfield reserves but they do not add much to Martinez’s options.
Rodallega’s back-up man is Di Santo. Otherwise it will be up to Sammon or Callum McManaman. All too inexperienced to make up for a potential absence of the Colombian.
Same story for the defence. Numbers are short and the quality just above average. Boyce, Alcaraz, G. Caldwell and Figueroa should be the starters with Stam and Gohouri ready to take their chances and trouble the manager when it comes to deciding on who should be taking to the field.
Predicted finishing position: 19th
Resources are very thin and Martinez will simply have to do with what he has got. Quality is mediocre and with N’Zogbia and Cleverley gone the load should be too much for Rodallega alone to carry.
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