For the fifth time in less than a month, Bristol Rovers are back on the road this weekend as they make the long trip north to what is now known as the Brick Community Stadium to face Wigan Athletic, a ground the club are yet to record victory at.
Rovers’ last away win against the Latics came nearly 35 years ago, a 2-1 success in April 1990, and there’s certainly an improved confidence around the club that that feat could change come Saturday afternoon.
It’s certainly a good opportunity for both sides to climb up the League One table with just one place and two points separating the pair going into Saturday’s contest.
Wigan thumped the Gas 4-0 at the Mem back in September but plenty has changed since then with Rovers of course under new management while they also come into this game following back-to-back league wins over Cambridge United and Barnsley.
Meanwhile, the Latics have struggled for home form this term and were beaten 2-1 on their own turf on Tuesday night by bottom side Burton Albion.
The Gas are looking to break streaks that have extended far too long this weekend with it also over two years since the last time they recorded three consecutive wins in League One.
So, what can we expect from this weekend’s hosts? We spoke to deputy sports editor of Wigan TodayPaul Kendrick to get the lowdown on all things Wigan Athletic…
What’s the mood around Wigan and amongst supporters at the moment?
If you’d have asked me this at the beginning of the week, the answer would have been very positive and vibrant after an FA Cup victory at Mansfield set-up a home fourth-round tie against Premier League Fulham, followed by a stoppage-time win at Stevenage last weekend. However, the midweek home defeat to rock-bottom Burton Albion has put paid to much of that. It’s underlined the huge inconsistency that has dogged Latics pretty much all season – capable of beating anyone, and also losing to anyone.
What was the pre-season target/expectation and what now would constitute success at the end of the campaign?
The stated pre-season target was a challenge for the top six but, with the budget being slashed to mid/lower-table, that’s obviously been made a difficult task. Given the current league position, I’d suggest a top-half finish – for the second season in succession – would be a decent effort given the continued budget reductions we’ve seen.
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Wigan’s away form is notably better than their home. Why hasn’t it quite gone as well on home soil so far?
A few reasons…home teams tend to go for it against Latics, which plays into the hands of Shaun Maloney and his side, who are quick to counter. Here at the Brick, teams are more likely to sit in, and Wigan have found it hard to break down most opposition sides, enjoying plenty of the ball but not doing enough with it. The falling crowds – partly caused by so many Saturday games being switched to midweek, as well as the increase in games being available to watch at home – have meant the atmosphere has suffered, which also hasn’t helped matters on the field. It’s been like watching two completely different teams for much of the season.
Who are the players to look out for and who’s expected to miss out?
Thelo Aasgaard has been the main attacking threat all season, while Sam Tickle is the best goalkeeper in League One. Neither belong at this level and quite possibly won’t be here for very long. On the flip side, Wigan are currently without the injured Luke Chambers, Steven Sessegnon, Baba Adeeko, Matt Smith, Tyrese Francois and Dion Rankine, while Jensen Weir is suspended.
Your predicted team?
Sam Tickle; Toby Sibbick, Jason Kerr, Will Aimson, Luke Robinson; Scott Smith, Ollie Norburn; Jonny Smith, Thelo Aasgaard, Silko Thomas; Dale Taylor.