Wigan v West Brom: Inside track on the Latics
West Brom make the trip to Wigan this week hoping to continue their fine form in the Championship - but what do you know about the Latics?
We spoke with Ian Aspinall, from Wigan Athletic blog Lets Hang On, to get his take on Albion's opponents.
See what he had to say here...
How has the season gone so far for Wigan, in your opinion?
It’s been very disappointing so far.
Expectations were high in the summer after the new owners the International Entertainment Corporation spent around £10m on new players, which is quite a lot of money for a club of our size.
But those expectations have not been realised and Latics are struggling for goals. New strikers Kieffer Moore and Jamal Lowe have only scored three goals between them.
The dreadful away record has continued from last season and Latics have not won away from home since April.
The home form started off OK but has also deteriorated in recent weeks.
To be brutally honest its hard to see where the next win is coming from.
Is Paul Cook under any substantial pressure at the moment, if so - is it fair?
Cook is definitely under pressure from the fans who are disillusioned with his management.
I think most fans are agreed we need to make a change now. I’m expecting a low turnout from Latics’ fans on Wednesday night.
Cook initially did well and got the club promoted from League One and had a very good FA Cup run defeating Manchester City in the process.
Last season we just about survived in the Championship but had the very talented Chelsea loanee Reece James in our ranks.
The Latics are now in the bottom three, having only taken two points from the last eight games. They are showing no signs of getting away from the bottom.
Managers have to be judged on results and Cook just doesn’t look like turning it around. The fans are demanding change but the board seem reluctant to sack him.
What kind of style of play can Albion fans expect to see from Wigan?
Cook’s preferred formation is 4-2-3-1 but in recent weeks he has moved to a 4-4-2. Neither formation has been successful and results just haven’t been forthcoming.
One of the biggest problems has been their inability to hold onto a lead.
The players' confidence is fragile and in the last eight games they’ve conceded nine goals in the last 10 minutes of games.
Who are the threats in this Latics side and why?
Latics are the second lowest scorers in the Championship and have only found the net 18 times.
Our top goalscorer with five goals is a defender Chey Dunkley.
He won’t be posing a threat to Albion though, as he’s suspended after being sent off at Luton last Saturday.
Are there any injury worries at the DW Stadium to worry about?
Not only is the club in a disastrous run of form we are also experiencing a mini injury crisis.
Goalkeeper David Marshall was injured in training and is unlikely to be available.
The Latics have only one available centre-back - Cedric Kipre, Dunkley is suspended, Danny Fox and Charlie Mulgrew are both out injured.
Their best player this season, midfielder Joe Williams is also unavailable due to a hamstring injury.
What's your predicted XI for Wigan heading into the game?
4-4-2: Jamie Jones; Dujon Sterling, Cedric Kipre, Kal Naismith, Antonee Robinson; Jamal Lowe, Samy Morsy, Lewis MacLeod, Anthony Pilkington; Joe Garner, Kieffer Moore.
What have you made of Albion from afar? Do you think they have what it takes to secure promotion to the top flight?
Albion look like they have all the right credentials to get promoted.
A good manager, a very strong squad and they will have money to strengthen in the January transfer window if required.
Your match prediction?
Wigan Athletic 1 West Bromwich Albion 3.
