Si's Big Game Preview - Latics v Pompey

 Simon gives us his lowdown on this afternoon's fixture:

Latics v Portsmouth

	Pos	P	W	D	L	For	Against	Pts
Wigan	22	38	9	8	21	39	65	36
Portsmouth	5	37	18	7	12	55	40	61

 

 

There's a real feel good factor amongst Latics fans, staff and players and it is crucial that the players take that energy onto the pitch. A tough game against high flying Portsmouth at the DW on Easter Monday is going to be a test but the Latics will be looking at doing a double over the south coast side.

 

Previous

 

We don’t have the greatest of records against Portsmouth. Won 6, drawn 4 and lost 10. Barry covered classic games in his “Any Previous” article (check it out, decent read) and I must say, I agree with his choices. Portsmouth's last win up in Wigan came back in 2007 when late goals from Benjani and Glen Johnson took the 3 points back south for 5th placed Pompey.

 

If you cast your minds back to late September, an unfenced Latics side travelled to Fratton Park and pulled off an excellent win. Lee Evans gave Wigan the lead just before half time before Tom James scored a 30 yard free kick on the hour. What a goal it was too. Portsmouth clawed one back late on but the Latics held on to gain their first 3 points of the season.

 

Ones to Watch

 

Marquis - The Pompey forward has bagged 14 goals this season in his 34 games so far averaging around a goal every other game. Thankfully he will miss the game due to a red against Shrewsbury which means Curtis will step in. He’s scored 9 this season, most recently converting against Rochdale at the weekend.

 

Harness - The playmaker has chipped in with 8 assists this season and 7 goals in 37 games. He has created 29 chances for Pompey this season and is just shy of 1000 passes so far.

 

Form - Won 3, Drawn 0, Lost 3

 

Portsmouth 2-1 Rochdale

Shrewsbury 1-2 Portsmouth

Portsmouth 2-1 Ipswich

Peterborough 1-0 Portsmouth
Portsmouth 0-2 Sunderland

Northampton 4-1 Portsmouth

 

Pompey's form is pretty decent and this is reflected in their current league position. However, they do like to concede.

 

Former Latics - Crackers joined Portsmouth in the off season and has played 19 times this season, 8 of those games he’s come on from the bench.

 

Opposition fan

 

Ashley joined Barry and Adam in the studio giving a great insight into all things Pompey ahead of the game. The link is below for the podcast, it’s only short so give it a listen pre match.

 

Prediction - PWU 2-1 Portsmouth - 0-2

 

AOB

 

Why not download Fan Hub from the app store and join likeminded Latics fans. The app houses all Wigan Athletic ones, opposition information and there’s 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