Wigan ended Chelsea's title hopes
It can be said that Wigan was the deciding factor in last year title race, as they held Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, when Heskey secured a draw and ensured his side's survival in the Premier League. Last season started well under Chris Hutchins, Wigan even topped the table in the first rounds, but things started to take the wrong turn when Heskey was injured in October. Heskey's form before the injury even brought him a recall to England squad, where he revived his partnership with Michael Owen. But when he got injured the goals stopped to come, and after some bad results Steve Bruce took over. Over time Bruce transferred his ideas onto the squad, and also added Palacios and Edman in the transfer window. The team stabilized and ensured survival with ease. They finished 14th which was improvement from last season.
Bruce brought De Ridder and Kapo from his old club
Steve Bruce has done well to keep hold of his stars and even managed to reinforce the team with new players. The only players to depart are not much used Cotterill and center back Granqvist. Bruce was able to persuade Valencia, Scharner and Palacios to stay after some interest from bigger clubs. With the budget he had at his disposal Bruce managed to ensure some shrewd deals. Amr Zaki, Egypt national team forward arrived on loan deal with the option to make the deal permanent. Wigan manager signed De Ridder and Kapo from his former club Birmingham, and he is determined to get the best from them. Very promising midfielder Lee Cattermole came from Middlesbrough, and with Maynor Figueroa extending his loan deal, the team is now in a very good shape.
In
Olivier Kapo (Birmingham),
Daniel De Ridder (Birmingham),
Amr Zaki (on loan from Zamalek),
Lee Cattermole (Middlesbrough),
Maynor Figueroa (on loan from Deportivo Olimpia)
Out
David Cotterill (Sheff Utd),
Andreas Granqvist (FC Groningen),
Julius Aghahowa (Kayserispor),
Josip Skoko (released),
Salomon Olembe (released),
Andrew Webster (Rangers)
Wigan will not be fighting for survival
The club or rather manager did a great job in the transfer window, keeping the key players and adding some fresh talent. Kapo, Cattermole, Zaki and De Ridder are all very good players, and if they gel quickly the team will have no problems this season. Chris Kirkland is at goal, and former England keeper is very reliable. Defense will consist of some experienced players like Melchiot, Scharner and Kilbane, while midfield will be very strong with Valencia, Palacios, Cattermole and De Ridder. Opposition keepers will be given plenty to worry about when they face Heskey, Capo and Zaki. With a very good team this year and experienced manager Steve Bruce, we are sure the team will not enter relegation battle, and we predict mid table finish this season.
Our tip: Wigan to finish above Bolton
Odds 1.83
Bookmaker: Bet365
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