Wigan Preview Questions

Any players back from long-term injuries: No

Any players picked up long term injuries in pre-season: No

Probable first choice XI: 3-4-3

Has the manager changed – if so do you see this having an impact on the style of play – more attacking, more defensive? Also is the new improvement on the previous manager, or do you see it as a backwards step, or neutral on the change? Not changed

Overall how does the team and squad compare to last season in terms of strength:
The squad is weaker at present due to players leaving, but the starting eleven is unchanged – until Moses leaves.

Emerging players who may come to the for this season:
Possibly Dicko, Golobart and McManaman – unless they go out on loan.

On balance, what final league position do you think would have been a fair reflection of performances last season. Please think carefully about how lucky or unlucky they were and whether they under or over achieved compared to their general performance levels:
The final position was a fair position given the poor start and fantastic ending.

What are the general expectations/mood of supporters going into this season and how do they view the summer transfer activity (disappointed/excited etc.):
It’s pretty much as expected. We’re Wigan: we do don’t do over-expectation.

How has pre-season gone. have results/performance’s been as expected:
There has only been one at home and it was a bit of a nothing of a performance. Again, we’re Wigan, we don’t do meaningful pre-seasons.

Are there any problems at the club on or off the pitch. Perhaps mood problems amongst players and management or financial problems which may impact on the season:
Nothing of note other than the quality of the lager served in the concourse.

Where do you realistically expect them to finish? Please note the word realistic, give a spread such as 8th-12th.
14-17th., but I’m sure you will receive more optimistic & pessimistic answers

Have there been any significant alterations to the stadium or pitch:
Yes, there have been heavy blokes in red and white running all over the pitch during the summer months.

Which games are viewed as derby matches:
Realistically this season unless we actually draw Derby in the cup, there are none. As the only Premier League team in Lancashire, we’re Wigan: we don’t do derbies.