Simon’s weekly big game preview takes in the Latics trip up to the Crown Ground on Saturday to face Accrington Stanley for a first ever Football League meeting between the two clubs at their place.
Accrington Stanley v Wigan Athletic
|
Position |
Played |
Won |
Drawn |
Lost |
F |
A |
Pts |
Accrington |
13 |
34 |
14 |
8 |
12 |
46 |
43 |
50 |
Latics |
20 |
35 |
9 |
7 |
19 |
38 |
61 |
34 |
7 points from our last 3 games has been an excellent return. With the new ownership finally progressing, another away win would be fantastic and what better way to get it after this week. Accrington Stanley, who are they? Accrington will still have hopes of the playoffs as they’re only 5 points away from Charlton who occupy the last place.
Previous
In terms of football league sides we have only met the two times. 1 win each. The first meeting as league sides saw Stanley take a 0-4 win at the DW Stadium in the Football League Trophy in 2017. The only league meeting came in December last year where the Latics ran out 4-3 winners. The win came off the back of a great win away at Sunderland the previous week. Tom James got the game going with a brave header early on and that lead was doubled 5 minutes later when Dan Gardner launched a volley into the roof of the net. Wigan were 3 to the good before half time when Chris Merrie was fouled in the area and Will Keane coolly stepped up and slotted the ball home. Then came the Stanley onslaught. Two goals in 4 minutes brought the game back to 3-2 and the nerves definitely started to jangle amongst the Latics faithful. Thankfully Latics saw the game out. Hughes put it into his own net to make it 4-2 before Burgess scored with 4 minutes remaining to make it 4-3 but the Latics held on.
Ones to Watch
Charles - From his 33 games this season he has a return of 16 goals. He is quite wasteful with his opportunities, only converting 26% of his attempts on goal. He is, however, Accrington’s leading goal scorer.
Pritchard - The midfielder has been instrumental in assisting the team with goals this season. He has chipped in with 6 assists and 6 goals this term in 27 outings. The tenacious midfielder has created 33 chances this season, averaging just over 1 per game.
Form - Won 1, Drawn 0, Lost 4
Accrington 0-2 Sunderland
MK Dons 3-2 Accrington
Bristol R 4-1 Accrington
Accrington 2-1 Swindon
Accrington 1-2 Ipswich
Their form of late is anything but sparkling. They will be keen to get a home win to push themselves towards the playoff places but after a big defeat to Bristol in early March the Latics must fancy their chances.
Former Latics - Latics legend Gary Roberts was at Accrington following his stint at Bala Town. It’s well known that Roberts has now joined Paul Cook at Ipswich Town.
John Doolan is part of the Accrington Stanley coaching staff. As a defender he featured 38 times for the Latics.
Missing Personnel
Wigan will be sweating on the fitness of Gavin Massey. Massey limped off against AFC Wimbledon and at the time of recording this weeks podcast, the Doc said they were waiting to see how the injury settled.
Accrington appear to be pretty settled at the moment.
Opposition fan
Nothing to write here…again. We contacted an Accrington fan who sent in the section for the podcast on Thursday, the day after the recording.
Prediction - PWU 2-3 Accrington - Away win
AOB
Why not download Fan Hub from the app store and join like minded Latics fans. The app houses all Wigan Athletic ones, opposition information and there is even some competitions such as guess the starting XI. It does become addictive. If you’re interested, drop us a DM on Twitter @pwupodcast
Simon Gregory
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