Preview - This time last season, the Latics were top after playing gung-ho football and scoring the hell out of division 2. And then along came Brizzle City. Suddenly, the carriage buckled, the nuts & bolts came loose and the wheels fell off. This started a run of 5 games without a win, 2 home defeats and some major criticism of then manager - player hero Andy Ritchie. Eventually, Chairman Chris Moore put the out of control horse which was dragging the flailing carriage out of its misery and gave Ritchie the bullet. What a tough decision to make.
Twelve months on, having dispensed of another manager since, the Latics sit 5th and just 2 points off the top of the table. Add to that an improvement of the home form on a scale of 6 to 1 (the result against Mansfield) and the Latics are in fine fettle to embark on putting last seasons wrongs - right.
The problem then was an inability to defend and keep it tight. Admittedly, that hasn't been too evident whilst we've been scoring 12 goals in 3 games, but importantly we've already shown that defending isn't a problem having not let a goal in on our travels and kept 4 cleans sheets in a row in August.
However, Bristol City come to Boundary Park with renewed optimism after having lost all 3 away matches before Saturday. Another blow to the Robins came last Tuesday as their 100% home record was amazingly taken away by Oxford United. Therefore a pick-me-up had been much needed and they got it after managing a battling win at Whaddon Park beating Cheltenham 3-2, after twice being behind. The Robins might now have taken flight.
So to this match, 5th vs 2nd in the table and now an easy season 6-pointer which could see the winners sitting pretty on top should results elsewhere go in favour. With both sides showing fresh confidence, renewed optimism and improved battling spirit, the pick of the day in division 2 could be an explosive match. My only concern is that we let the Robins get into a lead, as we found that to be costly last season. After taking the lead in the 40th minute, the barriers went up and 11 men played behind the ball. We mustn't let that happen again, or else it could Latics fans could again be back down to the ground with a bump.
Team News - Latics
Well what do you do with a side which has scored 12 in 3 games and has won the last 3 on the bounce? Nothing? I'm not so sure. As mentioned above, this game will be a stern test and it may be wise to dispense of our attack-attack mind for this one and concentrate on defending a bit more.
On the other hand, should we not go to outscore our opponents? We appear to have the set-up to do so, but our defeat to these last season tells us to throw caution to the wind. Has our recent burst of form and goals come largely due to mediocre opposition? Maybe we'll be better placed to answer that tomorrow night.
Therefore, I'm a little unsure as to what side may be put out for this one. I'm presuming it will be one of little change and we must hope to get first blood with it. That way, we will find more gaps to really go for the jugular. Also, will Killen be back from injury and if so, will he go straight into the side after Corazzin and Wijnhard's performance on Saturday. I suspect not to be honest, and that may surprise Latics fans. Personally though, despite the fact I think Killen and Wijnhard play well together and create space, I just feel that Corazzin actually complemented the Dutchman better. Killen can do too much and end up in our half when we set off on a break. Corazzin doesn't do this, he hangs about upfront and holds the ball. And his movement and cross for our 4th on Saturday was exquisite. It'll be bold to do it if Killen is fit, but Carlo gets the nod for me.
Finally, Duxbury (back from a neck injury) may be in contention for a start in place of John Eyre. Although I thought Eyre was highly industrious in our 6-1 win, Dux has a little more defensive element to his game and that could prove more important against this opposition. I expect that to be the only change.
Predicted team: GK - Pogliacomi, DF - Hall, Hill, Berehall, MD - Eyres, D.Sheridan, Duxbury, Appleby, Low, FW - Winjhard, Corazzin
The Oppo - Bristol City
Danny Coles and Aaron Brown completed 3 match bans last week and took part in the 3-2 win at Cheltenham. The two influential players may be the sort that inspire The Robins to a better away form now, but hopefully if that is the case, it will come after their trip to Boundary Park.
Louis Carey is still missing after an injury in pre-season training, however Matthew Hill may return to the side after ankle and knee soreness which he sustained after last weeks defeat to Oxford.
MATCH FACTORS:
Home form - The Latics have hopefully banished their memories of 2 defeats in 3 home games. Two wins in as many games and 9 goals scored in them hopefully will put some doubt in the minds of The Robins.
Away form - Bristol City have finally got some away points on the board. But just as we beat newly promoted Mansfield 6-1, should much be read into their win at struggling Cheltenham? The main thing is that psychology, they now have a win on the road. The belief may be back with The Robins.
Six pointer - We've already lost what we thought might have been a six-pointer when the season opened against Cardiff. However, we did manage 1pt at Brentford with 10 men. But for some reason, the Latics always choke in these games. Last season we couldn't beat Reading, Bristol City or Tranmere in 6-pointers and we got trounced down at Brighton. And during the season run-in we endured a sickening 3-1 defeat in Wigan. Our only successes were at home against Brentford and Brighton, which to be honest, isn't good enough. We must do what Dowie has previously said and win these ugly games. Starting tomorrow!!!
Turmoil behind the scenes? - News has come in that Bristol City chairman John Laycock has resigned and handed over control to vice-Chairman Stephen Lansdown. The circumstances appear to be nothing sinister, but you just wonder if sometimes that could send a small negative shockwave down the side. Funnier things have happened. Then again, it might inspire The Robins to get their first win under the new chairman.
VERDICT:
It should be fast and furious. Tough and gritty. The triumphant side will need to be patient and determined in their quest for success. Have the Latics got the ability to be this? I'm not sure. This game is all about who scores first. If we do, I honestly think we will go on to win. If Bristol City score first, then we will need to be on our best to get anything out of the game. City held on at 3-2 for almost 40 minutes against Cheltenham and by the sounds of it, The other Robins threw everything at the barn door. If we need to do this, then we too may be on the back end of another home defeat.
Time to make Ice Station Zebra a fortress once again. I'm going for a very narrow Latics win.
Prediction: A Latics win
Scoreline: 2-1