After the disappointment of losing in the Carling Cup semi-finals last week, Blackburn must turn their thoughts back to the Premier League and the visit of Wigan. Rovers will be without defender Christophe Samba as he serves a one-match ban while the Latics will be missing injured goalkeeper Chris Kirkland, although midfielder Hendry Thomas is available again after suspension.
Quick Check
Blackburn Rovers
- Vince Grella is hoping to return after a four-week absence with a thigh injury.
- Blackburn’s win against Fulham in their last league game was their first victory since November.
- Rovers clean sheet against Fulham was their first in eight fixtures.
- Christophe Samba will miss the clash through suspension.
- Jason Roberts is a doubt with a knee injury.
- Fellow striker Benni McCarthy appears to be on the verge of leaving after failing to turn up for training this week.
- Blackburn conceded six goals in their last match against Aston Villa last week.
Wigan Athletic
- Midfielder Hendry Thomas is available again after a one-match ban.
- Captain Mario Melchiot is expected to start despite a broken nose.
- Roberto Martinez’s team remain unbeaten in all six matches when Hugo Rodallega has scored.
- Charles N’Zogbia has scored four goals in his last six games.
- Wigan’s clean sheet at Wolves last weekend was their first in eight matches.
- Keeper Chris Kirkland will be out for up to three months with a damaged collarbone.
- Mohamed Diame is out for another week with a knee injury.
- Martinez’s side have taken just nine points from their last nine Premier League fixtures.
Expert Advice
Conceding six goals in their last match is hardly the ideal preparation to have going into a game but the defeat against Aston Villa was a one-off cup tie and there were plenty of positives for Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce to take from last week’s defeat. Rovers rediscovered a cutting edge in attack at Villa Park that has been missing for the best part of two months and, while Wigan will be no pushovers, they do have the sort of threat going forward that Villa have. The Latics come into the game having won their last away match at Wolves but the loss of Chris Kirkland in goal is a big blow and, with Roberto Martinez’s side hardly distinguishing themselves in scraping a draw at Notts County at the weekend, a home win by a single goal at Betsson’s price of 3.6 looks a sound bet.
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Wigan having the same threat as Villa going forward??? expert advice?? are you sure??