Liverpool v Latics - Premier League Preview

The Latics prepare ahead of trip to Anfield on Saturday afternoon, as they look to continue their impressive recent record against the five time European Champions.

Roberto Martinez’s men will have fond memories of their last trip to Anfield, when they left with all three points which sparked the great escape of last season, into life. Despite a number of changes at Anfield since March, the Latics will be confident of continuing Liverpool’s awful home record in 2012.

Gary Caldwell

Having spoken in the week about his vision of a top ten spot, Martinez will be keen to ensure his side pick up and recover from last weekend’s defeat against West Brom. Having also turned down the opportunity to take the Anfield hot seat he will be keen to show Liverpool and their fans, what his side can really do.  

Liverpool are currently on an unbeaten run of six league matches, but the frustration continues as they have only secured two wins during this run. Luis Suarez has been at the heart of pretty much everything that has been good for Brendan Rodgers’ side this season and poses the main threat.

Martinez has had good news on the injury front ahead of the short trip to Merseyside, with on loan Japanese Ryo Miyachi star likely to return to the match day squad after missing the last month’s action. The influential James McArthur will be given right up kick off to prove his fitness, as the Scottish international recovers from a dead leg.

Franco Di Santo & Lionel Messi

Long term absentee Antolin Alcaraz will miss out once again, with the Paraguayan international Alcaraz making steady progress during his long term rehabilitation.

The Latics look set to stick with roughly the same XI that started last week, with James McArthur possibly replacing last week’s man of the match Ben Watson.  Martinez will also have newly capped Argentine international Franco Di Santo to call upon as he returned from his duty unhurt if as did Oman international keeper Ali Al Habsi.

A similar performance to the one they predicted at White Hart Lane a fortnight ago is exactly what is required on Saturday afternoon. A disciplined performance through tout the spine will frustrate Liverpool and will ensure that the crowd get on their back and will allow for the Latics to be just as expressive on the ball as they were in March.

Consistency is key if the Latics are to indeed kick on and make the push for a top half finish, a run of unbeaten games is needed if they are to avoid the usual mid winter despair.

Latics 1-2 West Brom – Latics Run Halted By Impressive Baggies

The Latics were unable to secure a third straight victory on Saturday afternoon, as an impressive West Brom maintained their excellent start to the season.

Scottish international James Morrison headed past Ali Al Habsi, before full back Billy Jones broke free inside the area to see his effort deflected into the net off Gary Caldwell.

Arouna Kone 

The Latics response was immediate with Arouna Kone getting on the end Jean Beausejour’s low cross to reduce areas before the break.

Despite the obvious boost that the goal provided Roberto Martinez’s men they were unable to break down Steve Clarke’s organised unit. The Baggies continually posed a threat on the break with on loan Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku denied by a great save from Al Habsi.

Led by the centre half pairing of Gareth McAuley and Jonas Olsson, the Baggies held firm, as the Latics went in search of their second, despite having much of the possession clear cut chances were at a premium.

Having secured a memorable away win at Tottenham last weekend, the Latics were unable to replicate their free flowing forward play, on what proved to be a frustrating afternoon for all involved.

Despite starting brightly the Latics were unable to make their early dominance count with Ben Watson controlling the midfield last week’s match winner went close with a long range effort. Despite looking un easy Welsh keeper Boaz Myhill, who was starting his first game since conceding six on international duty, was not tested enough and was allowed to find his way into the game. 

Billy Jones

Watson’s second half effort was kept out by Myhill and Chilean international Beausejour was unable to keep his follow up down. Shaun Maloney went close late on but they were unable to find the all important equaliser.

Up next for the Latics is a trip to Liverpool, where they will hope to reproduce their performance last season when they left Anfield with all three points, which sparked the great escape.

Fans will keep an eye on Franco Di Santo who could line up alongside Lionel Messi for his Argentina debut as they take on Saudi Arabia in midweek.

Martinez will be keen to ensure that his other international stars return from midweek friendly duty unhurt, as they prepare to clock up the miles, ahead of the return to Wigan in time for the short trip to Merseyside on Saturday. 

Latics v West Brom - Premier League Preview

The Latics head into their clash with in form West Brom on Saturday afternoon, looking for their third consecutive league win of the campaign as they kick off a run of three home games during November.

Roberto Martinez’s men responded perfectly to a six game winless run, with back to back wins at home West Ham and away to Tottenham.  

Arouna Kone

November looks set to be pivotal month for the Latics and their ambitions for the campaign, with three home games and a trip to the hit and miss Liverpool, November could see the Latics looking up the table rather than down.

Much is made of the usually poor early season form from the Latics, but recent performances will encourage both Martinez and fans alike. Both the tempo and fluidity of the last two outings have been reminiscent of their form at the back end of last season, during the memeorable great escape.

Martinez talked this week of how he feels he made the right decision in staying with the Latics during the summer and sees this season as the next chapter in the club’s history.

Facing them at the DW are Steve Clarke’s inform West Brom who find themselves in fifth position level on points with Everton who currently occupy the final Champions League spot. Encouragingly for the Latics, the Baggies are winless on the road this season having lost three of their four outings to date.

Ben Watson

Having suffered an injury time defeat at Newcastle a few weeks ago the Baggies will look to give their travelling support something to shout about this weekend. Although they haven't had the best of recent encounters with Wigan, failing to win the last four, including last season’s 1-1 draw.

As for team news Martinez looks set to stick with the XI that won at White Hart Lane last weekend, with Scottish international James McArthur is rated as 50-50, with match winner Ben Watson likely to retain his starting spot.

Ryo Miyachi is one again out with an ongoing groin injury and Albert Crusat and Antolin Alcaraz will miss out, with return dates for both still unknown.

As shown at the back end of last season momentum and confidence is vital for Martinez and his team, he explained that in managing to keep the core of his team together during the summer transfer window has provided him with the perfect opportunity to make clear progress this season.

Games at home this season regardless of the opposition, based on last week’s performance are evidently winnable and will have many of the fans heading to the DW quietly confident this season.

Latics v Tottenham - Premier League Preview

The Latics are aiming to bounce back from their midweek cup exit at the hands of Bradford City, as they go in search of back to back league wins for the first time this season, against in a form Tottenham at White Heart Lane.

Roberto Martinez opted to make nine changes to his starting XI on Tuesday evening, and is likely to call upon the same side that secured their first home league win of the campaign against West Ham last weekend.

Franco Di Santo

Long term absentees Albert Crusat and Antolin Alcaraz are still unavailable while Ryo Miyaichi is still struggling with injury following his return from international duty with Japan.

The Spaniard will be looking towards striker Franco Di Santo to the line, who was rewarded for his fine recent form with his first senior international call up for Argentina, for their friendly with Saudi Arabia this month.

Despite also being knocked out of the Capital One Cup in midweek, Spurs head into the game in great form and currently find themselves in fourth spot. The Latics will have to ensure that the influential Gareth Bale is kept quiet, as he netted three times against them last season.

Three seasons ago the Latics suffered a humiliating 9-1 defeat at White Hart Lane, but followed that up with a 1-0 win of their own, the following season.

Gareth Bale

Having been able to pull off a number of great escapes in previous seasons, this campaign has been seen by Martinez as a significant one, where he is keen for his side to be genuinely considered as an established Premier League side.

In order to achieve this, a level of consistency must me maintained, as Martinez explained to the media on Friday afternoon: “Now is the time to bring consistency in performances and results which is where our focus is right now.”

“We know it’s going to be a tough game for us but our aim is to carry on the good football shown against West Ham United last weekend, taking that level of performance to White Hart Lane to be as good as we can be.

“There are lessons to take from our last two away games against Sunderland and Swansea City, aspects of our game that need to improve if we are to get a positive result on the road.”

In what is already shaping up to be a tough November, with Liverpool, West Brom, Reading and the Champions Manchester City to come. Martinez and his team know that the next month will determine their season and they will be looking to pick up something on the road and will of course have fond memories of their last trip to North London when they beat Spurs’ rivals Arsenal.

Latics 0-0 Bradford City AET – Bradford win 4-2 on penalties – Latics Suffer Penalty Misery

The Latics were made to pay for repeated miss chances, as they crashed out of the Capital One Cup on penalties to League Two side Bradford City on Tuesday night.

After a goalless 120 minutes, Shaun Maloney fired over from the spot, and Jordi Gomez’s tame effort was saved by Matt Duke, as the Bantams clinically disposed all four of their kicks from twelve yards.

It was a frustrating night for the Latics as the dominated much of the game but were unable to find any real penetration, at a rain swept DW stadium.

Jordi Gomez

Manager Roberto Martinez ran the changes with only Ivan Ramis (who captained the team) and Ali Al Habsi retaining their places after the weekend’s win against West Ham. Ben Watson played in an unfamiliar centre half role alongside Ramis, and Adrian Lopez.  

Ramis looked to have given the Latics the lead early into the game put his header was ruled out for offside from Gomez’s free kick.

Gomez was at the heart of everything that was good with the Latics play and went close on two separate occasions.

As the game wore on the Latics were unable to break down a stubborn visiting backline, with the midfield unable to stamp their usual authority on the game. As a result clear cut chances for both front men Mauro Boselli and Callum McManaman.

The Argentine ensured a frustration evening as he was unable to create anything of real note throughout.

Boosted by a 5,000 strong following Bradford carved out their only clear cut chance with 15 mins left of normal time when former West Ham player Zavon Hines broke free, only to be denied smartly by Al Habsi.  

Late on first team regular Jean Beasejour and Maloney brought about some much needed composure to the Latics forward play.

They should have sealed a place in the final eight deep into extra time when Gomez missed when he was through on goal with only Duke to beat.

Franco Di Santo

The miss summed up the evening for Martinez men who despite controlling the tie never looked as if they were going to actually win and the defeat will be hard to take for fans who saw the competition as a genuine chance of progress.

Elsewhere there was good news for Franco Di Santo who managed a surprise call up to Argentina’s friendly squad against Saudi Arabia in November, he will line up in a forward line boasting the likes of Carlos Tevez, Higuain and of course Lionel Messi.

Up next is a trip to Tottenham on Saturday and a start of a tough period, which includes Liverpool, Manchester City and inform West Brom. Martinez will look to pick his players up as they aim for all three points.

Latics 2-2 Everton – Latics Denied by Late Penalty

The Latics were pegged back twice, as they had to make do with a share of the points, in an entertaining encounter on Saturday afternoon.

Fans will have left the DW stadium wondering what might have been, despite having witnessed the teams strongest performance of the season, the search for the first home victory of the campaign goes on.

Franco Di Santo

Roberto Martinez decided to field Franco Di Santo in his starting XI, replacing Jordi Gomez, and his side put in a dominant display in a cracking opening half.

The opening goal came as a result of fantastic work from Shaun Maloney who was back to his imperious best and was at the heart of everything going forward. After beating Seamus Coleman his cross was met by Arouna Kone who managed to beat Tim Howard from an acute angle.

No sooner had the play re started the visitors had levelled up with their first move forward. Nikica Jelavic was on the end of Steven Pienaar’s attempted shot showed why he is regarded as one the deadliest finishers around.

Despite the set back the Latics refused to get down and continued to dominate for large periods of the first half and re took the lead thanks to some fantastic work from the tremendous Kone.

His raw pace did for Johnny Heitinga as he latched onto Gary Caldwell’s pinpoint long ball and despite looking as if he was going no where, was able to square the ball back for Di Santo to smash home.

The Argentine almost added a third, moments later, as his smart attempt was kept out by Tim Howard.

Ali Al Habsi was on hand to ensure that the Latics headed into the break ahead, and they begun the second half on the front foot.

Shaun Maloney

There was a lot of needle in the middle of park as both midfields looked to impose themselves on the game. The referee Kevin Friend did not allow for the game to flow and was unable to stamp his authority on the game with a number of strange decisions.

As the game wore on the Latics invited the visitors onto them and were reliant on hitting them on the counter. Unfortunately they were made to pay for this with only five minutes to play, as Maynor Figueroa brought down Kevin Mirallas.

Former Latic Leighton Baines emphatically beat Al Habsi from the spot to secure a share of the spoils for his team.

But the Latics’ could well have secured all three points late on as Kone and Maloney linked up once again, with the Scottish international’s strike taking a deflection just over the cross bar.

Despite the feeling of having dropped two points it was certainly an encouraging performance from Martinez’s men as they more than matched one of the form teams of the early season.

Up next is a trip to South Wales after the international break and Martinez will be keen to see his international’s return without any injuries, as he prepares his side for a crucial run. 

Wigan 2-2 Stoke City – Latics Secure Draw

The Latics were twice pegged back as they had to make do with a share of the points, in what was an entertaining game on Saturday afternoon.

Shaun Maloney gave the Latics the lead after only four minutes, after great link up play between the tenacious Maloney and Franco Di Santo resulted in Robert Huth clearly handling. 

Shaun Maloney

Scottish international Maloney coolly converted the penalty giving visiting keeper Asmir Begovic no chance.

Unlike their last home game Roberto Martinez’s men were quickly out of the blocks. In what was an impressive start from Martinez’s men with Chilean international Jean Beausejour tormenting the Stoke backline, but he was forced off with an injury on the half hour mark.

That seemed to kill off the Latics’ creativity and drive, as the Potters brought on new signing Charlie Adam and they gained some control especially in midfield. 

Missed chances earlier in the half proved costly as Stoke levelled in the 40th minute, Walters scoring from the spot after referee Martin Atkinson had adjudged Maynor Figueroa of handling the ball inside his own area.

Irish international Jonathan Walters fired home past new dad Ali Al Habsi, and ensured that somewhat against the run of the play the visitors went in level at the break.

Al Habsi did very well to tip Mark Wilson’s fine strike onto the bar and out for a corner as Stoke pressed for a second.

Any momentum that Tony Pulis’ side had looked to have gained was banished early in the second half. Arouna Kone did well to find Di Santo who finished smartly with a first time strike.

Despite the setback the visitors fought back and found their feet once again, and Peter Crouch levelled the game up as he rose to head home from Walters’ cross.

Al Habsi was on hand late on to deny Adam a winner on debut, when he produced an outstanding save when the free kick had taken a wicked deflection.

Many will have left the DW frustrated as the Latics twice had the lead and had much of the play and possession. Speaking after the match manager Martinez was keen to pick out the positives from his side’s display:

“We started really brightly and got the goal we deserved, but then you are looking at the manner in which the game opened up and it could have gone either way.”

The points sees the Latics remain in the top of the league on four points, next up is a trip to Old Trafford, after the international break and Martinez will be keen to see his players return to Wigan with no injuries. 

Southampton 0-2 Wigan - Strike Pair Ensure First Win

New pairing Franco Di Santo and Arouna Kone both got on the score sheet, as the Latics secured their first victory of the new season at St Mary’s on Saturday afternoon.

In what the first ever league meeting of the two sides, Roberto Martinez’s men put on a fantastic performance to spoil the party for home side, on what was their first home game on their return to the top flight. 

Franco Di Santo

The home side were the brighter team during the opening phases, but unlike last week the Latics were determined to weather the storm and held firm.

The first chance of the game fell to the impressive Adam Lallana, his effort was fantastically tipped onto the bar by Ali Al Habsi. The Latics stopper was bright all afternoon, and will have been delighted with his first clean sheet of the season.

Captain Gary Caldwell was on hand when he put in an impressive last ditch challenge when Lallana was really to pull the trigger.

The Latics upped the tempo at the start of the second half, and they took the lead, after Di Santo fired home smartly, following great play from the influential Shaun Maloney.

The opener seemed to drain the confidence from the home side, with the Latics midfield ensuring that the Saints were unable to get into any kind of rhythm.

Arouna Kone

On his full debut Kone wrapped up all three points, the Ivorian international dispossessed Jose Fonte and ran the length of the pitch to finish off emphatically.

The victory will serve as the perfect tonic for Martinez and his men who were made to pay last week for a poor start to the Chelsea game. With many pundits doubting their ability to cope without the now departed Victor Moses, the Spaniard was delighted with his side's effort:

“The whole team took massive responsibility after losing Moses. I am very, very satisfied because we knew how difficult it would be.”

Next up for the Latics is a midweek trip to Nottingham Forest, in the newly named Capital One Cup. Martinez is expected to ring the changes with many of the fringe players expected to be given a run out. In a game that is being televised live by Sky, Latics fans will be keen to avoid an upset and will be keen to go on a cup run.

Latics Land African Star

The Latics have completed the signing of Ivory Coast international Arouna Kone, on a 3 year deal from La Liga side Levante.

He becomes Roberto Martinez’s fourth signing of the window, and is a major signal of intent from the Spaniard as he prepares his side for the new season. 

The 28 year old Ivorian international, bagged 15 goals last season including the winner against Real Madrid, and a result helped secure European football.

Arouna Kone

Having started his career in Spain with Sevilla, he joined Levante on a full time basis only this summer, follolwing last season's succesfull loan.

He’s made 35 appearances for the Ivory Coast, netting on 9 occasions, and has lead the line with former Chelsea man Didier Drogba.

He comes with major competition experience, having appeared at the World Cup, African Cup of Nations and Champions League.

Manager Martinez was delighted with the capture: “He’s a player we have chased for a long time, we know him really well, he comes with European football experience and he’s strong with a clinical touch and brings something different to the team.”

Martinez will be delighted to land an out and out goalscorer, with only Henri Camara ever managing getting into double figures since the club’s promotion into the top flight.

Kone’s arrival will relieve some of the pressure from last season’s leading front man Franco Di Santo, and he will be seen as the perfect replacement for Hugo Rodallega who moved to Fulham following his release.

Connor Sammon is widely expected to leave the club before the end of the month with Derby County linked with the Irishman. As for the returning Mauro Boselli he is expected to be given a chance to show his worth but for now will have to do so from the bench.

The future of Callum McManaman is yet to be resolved, he could well provide cover or potentially be sent out on loan.

Kone will link up with his new team mates in time for the visit of European Champions Chelsea, on Sunday afternoon, and will be expected to lead the line.  

Latics Prepare For Life After Moses

Victor Moses’ has moved a step closer to a move to European Champions Chelsea, following advanced talks between the two clubs. 

This evening the BBC have reported that owner, Dave Whelan met with officials from the London club on Wednesday, to finally bring an end to the saga. 

It is understood that Chelsea must match the valuation put in place by Whelan, which it is believed to be in the region of £8.5 million, and Moses has been informed that he will remain at the club if a deal is not struck.

Victor Moses 

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo is believed to be a big admirer of the Nigerian international, and is keen to include him in his squad ahead of Sunday’s Community Shield clash against Manchester City. Ironically in the first game of the new Premier League season, Moses is likely to make his competitive debut against his former employers as they visit the DW on the opening weekend. 

Latics boss Roberto Martinez will be keen to secure the services of a replacement for Moses. Arsenal’s Japanese international Ryo Miyaichi, is believed to be on radar along with the view of a loan deal. On the permanent side of things Stoke City’s Jermaine Pennant and Blackpool’s Matt Phillips are being monitored.

Ryo Miyaichi 

We will wait and see if another striker is brought in to bolster the front line, with Argentinean pair Franco Di Santo and Mauro Boselli expected to lead the line.

It is crucial that the Latics move quickly in the market in order to ensure that they have players in place ahead of the start of the season, with just over a week until kick off, the countdown is well and truly on.

Hoffenheim 1-1 Wigan - Boselli Run Continues

Argentinean international Mauro Boselli netted his third goal in three games, as the Latics drew with their Bundesliga counterparts on Saturday evening.

The game rounded off the club's tour of Austria, and Hoffenheim provided Roberto Martinez men with their toughest challenge, of the pre season campaign to date.

Mauro Boselli

Following the 2-2 draw in midweek against Bulgarian outfit Botev Polvdiv, the Latics impressed up against a strong outfit. Martinez took the opportunity to use his entire squad, fielding ten different outfield players in each half.

A fantastic cross was finished off by Boselli mid way through the first half, the German’s quickly responsed with Mathieu Delpierre’s header beating Mike Pollitt, who was on hand with a couple of key stops.

Many have written off Boselli (myself included),after a disastrous start to life at the DW, if he can finish off pre season in this form he will be given a chance when it matters. His game is very simple, he is a poacher and nothing else, and is what is needed at the club.

As they showed towards the back end of last season,  Martinez's men have plenty of creativity but lack the killer instinct at times. Franco Di Santo needs to have some of the workload lifted from him, and Boselli could well be the perfect solution, and without having to go into the market would free up funds to strengthen elsewhere.

Victor Moses

Elsewhere long term target Ivan Ramis looks set to join newly promoted West Ham, after his agent had confirmed the Spaniard was on his way to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms, following a deal having being struck between the two clubs. Defensive cover is key and as we head into August the new season will be quickly upon us in no time, Martinez will be keen to get a couple of new faces in.

We should get a resolution to the Victor Moses saga, by the end of this week. Unless the Latics’ valuation of the Nigerian international is met in full, he will line up, against his potential suitors in the first game of the new campaign.

Up next are a few Wigan XI games in and around the North West, we will have to wait and see if any of the first team squad will be given a run out in any of the games. The pre season campaign will end in Spain with a game against Celta Vigo a week before the arrival of the European Champions on Sunday the 19^th of August.

Latics Start Pre Season With A Win As Rodallega Seals Move To London

A Jordi Gomez penalty was enough to ensure that Roberto Martinez’s men got their pre season, off to a perfect start in Sweden. 

In what was a reduced game, lasting 70 minutes played on an artifical pitch, Martinez took the opportunity to give his whole squad some game time. 

Jordi Gomez

Gomez dispatched the penalty confidently, when Ben Watson was brought down, the result signalled a solid start to pre season for the Latics.  

Martinez will be pleased with his side as he looks to ensure they build up, in time for the visit of Champions League winners Chelsea on the opening weekend.

 
Elsewhere the hero of the 2010/11 great escape, Hugo Rodallega completed his free transfer to Fulham, after failing to agree a deal with the Latics.
 
He is set to earn a reported £70,000 a week from the move, although his departure leaves the Latics somewhat short upfront.

Mauro Boselli

Franco Di Santo looks set to lead the line once again, but it remains unclear if Martinez is going to look into the market for backup. Flop Mauro Boselli looks set to have at least pre season to impress, as he returns from a season long loan in Argentina.
 
Rumours are circulating that Irish striker Conor Sammon is set to join Championship side Derby County on loan. As for youngsters Callum McManaman, Nouha Dicko and Rakish Bingham, they are likely to provide cover to the first team, or be sent out on loan for first team action.

The South American Influence

As we said goodbye to a memorable 2011/12 season on Sunday, I caught up with the BBC’s South American Football expert, the Legendinho, Tim Vickery on Friday evening, and discussed his thoughts on the current South American contingent at the DW Stadium.

Franco Di Santo

In his second full season at the DW Stadium, since arriving from Chelsea back in the summer of 2010, the Argentinean has improved greatly.

Franco Di Santo

Having started out at Audax Italiano in the Chilean Primera Division, he made a real impression, and Tim expressed his disappointment, at his decision to move to Chelsea: “I was disappointed when he joined Chelsea, he’d been playing so well for Audax, scoring goals not only in the league but in the Copa Libertadores. (the continent’s equivalent of the Champions League). It was the wrong move at the wrong time.”

Having bagged 7 times this season including crucial strikes against Arsenal and Newcastle, the number 9 has won the adoration of fans, and is set for a big future at the club.

Tim pointed out that Di Santo will gain confidence from this season and will go from strength to strength: “He’s a versatile striker, who can play anyone along the front line, and we’ve seen over the last few months what he can do, given a run of games.”

With reported interest from Stoke City and considering his ill-advised move to Chelsea, perhaps think twice ahead of any move away from Wigan, as the club will play a huge part in his all round development.

The key for Di Santo is goals, as is the case with any forward, if he can get into double figures for the first time in a Wigan shirt next season, it will go a long way to improving his game and crucially the Latics as a club.

Jean Beausejour

Having been relegated with Birmingham City at the end of last season, his January arrival was met with some scepticism by fans.

Against the odds his arrival sparked a revival in the Latics form, and he has played a huge part in the club winning seven of their last nine games.

Jean Beausejour

Tim talked up the versatility that the Chilean international offers to the Latics: “To any team, he offers so much versatility; he can play in a number of positions even left wing back. His club career has floundered unlike his international form which secured his move to England, following the World Cup in South Africa in 2010, where his side impressed at times.”

His flexibility and work rate allowed for manager Roberto Martinez to implement a complete change of formation, in order to fight against relegation. It was seen as a bold move and a gamble in hindsight, that has certainly paid off, and Tim expressed his delight at the success that Beasuejour has had at the Latics: “I am delighted that he has come off at Wigan, he is sure to play a huge part for the club next season.”

Antolin Alcaraz

The Paraguayan international has formed a reliable and solid partnership with captain Gary Caldwell during the run in.

He has chipped in with goals also from set pieces, with the crucial opener against Stoke City back in March, and his late winner at Blackburn will live long in the memory.

Having played his entire career in Europe notably with Beira Mar in Portugal and Club Brugge of Belgium, he has settled into life in the English top flight quicker than most South American’s.

Antolin Alcaraz

Tim spoke of Alcaraz's ability to lead the backline: “He was unheard of in Paraguay when he won his first cap, since then he has flourished paying at the World Cup and he scored a memorable goal against, the then, World Champions Italy.

He came into the squad to add height, he does perhaps lack the class of a true quality centre half, but he has done very well to settle in, in England and is reliable.”

For Alcaraz he like many at the club will fast forward through the first half the end of season DVD, but will take serious encouragement from his form in the back end of the campaign. 

He is likely to link up with Caldwell once again come August but will expect some serious competition, as the Latics will go out to add defensive cover, in the transfer market. 

Wigan 3-2 Wolves - Boyce Double Rounds Off Memorable Season

A memorable double from club legend Emmerson Boyce ensured the Latics signed off the season in great style, in front a full house on Sunday afternoon.

The result sees Roberto Martinez’s men finish off in 15^th place, after an incredible run, saw them pick up seven wins from their final nine games.

Franco Di Santo & Hugo Rodallega

Already relegated Wolves looked to dampen the party atmosphere when they took the lead through winger Matt Jarvis, whose terrific effort left Ali Al Habsi with no chance, after only nine minutes.

The Latics were not behind for long and soon levelled up, when Argentine striker Franco Di Santo’s deflected left the visiting keeper flat footed. Moments later Boyce’s fine header put the home side ahead, from a Jean Beasejour corner.

Boyce sealed the points late into the second half, with a stunning strike after great link up play with Hugo Rodallega, who is set to leave the club.

Dave Whelan & Ali Al Habsi

Steven Fletcher’s late goal took some of the gloss off the day, after a defensive mix up, again gave Al Habsi no chance.

The game had very much a feel of an end of season affair, but few inside the DW would complain; only eight weeks ago the club looked doomed and set for a return to the football league.

The day was very much about the fans and a full house ensured a great atmosphere and Martinez made only one change. Adrian Lopez was given a rare outing alongside player of the season Gary Caldwell, and despite his late error looked assured.

To have finished five points ahead of Aston Villa, a founding member of the Premier League is an incredible achievement, and shows that Martinez was right to stick with the Latics.

The Players Celebrate 

As always, there is sure to be much change over the course of the summer period, with Rodallega, Chris Kirkland, Steve Gohouri and Mohammed Diame all confirmed as being released.

There is also plenty of interest around other members of the squad as well as the staff, with Aston Villa confirming their interest once again in Martinez this evening.

Regardless of what happens over the next couple of months, the Latics will be taking part in their eighth consecutive season in the top flight and the future is looking very, very good. 

Blackburn v Wigan - Preview

The Latics head into their penultimate game of the campaign knowing a win will guarantee their safety, and in the process send rivals Blackburn Rovers down.

Following last weekend's emphatic victory against in form Newcastle, Roberto Martinez and his men will be very confident of securing their first ever victory at Ewood Park.

Victor Moses 

The Spaniard has a fully fit squad to choose from but is likely to stick with the same XI that saw them put their fate firmly in their grasp. Franco Di Santo is set to lead the line with Shaun Maloney and Victor Moses supporting.

James McCarthy is set to play despite announcing today, the terrible news that his father is fighting a cancer battle, which has seen him pull out of the Irish Euro 2012 squad.

Having lost on their last five visits to their near rivals, the Latics will be keen to ensure that their battle to avoid the drop, does not come down to their home clash with Wolves on Sunday.

The clash at the DW back in November, proved to be one to remember in a 3-3 classic, with Yakubu controversially scoring a penalty deep into added on time. 

Despite their agonising last gasp defeat at Fulham the Latics have confidence on the road picking up more wins than they have at home throughout the season.

A run of five wins from their last seven outings have sparked a remarkable turn around in form for the club and they know a point will virtually guarantee survival. They have the additional cushion of a greater goal difference than Bolton, who currently occupy the final spot in the bottom three.

Blackburn need a miracle if they are to avoid the drop, even 6 points from their final two games is unlikely to see them escape, with results elsewhere having to go their way in order to do so, plus a drastic change in the goal difference will also be required.

James McCarthy 

As for the Latics they know that a point from their final two clashes will ensure safety and they will go all out on the final Monday night clash of the season to set up a party atmosphere for Sunday’s final day clash.

With a reported 3000 Latics set to make the short trip to Ewood Park, they will be in full voice, as Martinez's men look to end another poor record as they have done at Anfield and the Emirates in recent weeks. 

Wigan v Newcastle - Preview

The Latics head into their penultimate home game of the season against Newcastle United, on Saturday in search of their third consecutive home victory, which would see them move clear of the drop zone.

Roberto Martinez will be keen to ensure that his side recover from last weekends last gasp defeat at Fulham, and he will be encouraged that his side have their destiny in their own hands.

Hugo Rodallega

That was unthinkable only 6 weeks ago, but an impressive run that has seen the Latics overcome Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal to give them a real chance of survival.

With winnable games against Blackburn and Wolves in their final two clashes, anything that they get from Saturday’s encounter with the inform Geordies would be a bonus.

Martinez will be able to call upon last season’s great escape hero Hugo Rodallega, who looks set to feature from the bench after 7 weeks out. Franco Di Santo is struggling following the knock he picked up at Fulham, which could see Conor Sammon start.  

Maynor Figueroa

The solid backline that has only conceded 12 goals in the last dozen games will be in for a tricky afternoon against the inform Newcastle front men. Papiss Cisse has scored in 6 consecutive games and will be keen to ensure his side remain on track to play Champions League football next season.

Once again this is the biggest game if the season for all concerned with the club, and they will be keen to ensure that they can but some light between themselves and the bottom three and bring an end to Newcastle’s impressive run. 

Latics Must Get Rid Of Boselli

I spoke with South American football expert, the Legendinho, Tim Vickery on Friday evening about Wigan’s Mauro Boselli, who has flopped in sensational fashion since his arrival, back in the summer of 2010.

He arrived at the DW Stadium with an impressive record, having scored 32 goals in 57 appearances for Estudiantes, his capture looked to have ended the Latics search, for a genuine out and out finisher.

Mauro Boselli

Tipped by many to shine in Europe, unfortunately he looks set to join the exhaustive list of expensive foreign imports, who have flattered to deceive in Europe.

Tim recalled a time when he was contacted on a regular basis by European clubs seeking his advice on the Argentine, including an unnamed Premier League coach: “I was contacted by a certain premier league coach for advice.His agent was busy going around with DVD’s cut to make him look like the great Gabriel Batistuta. I just told him to keep hold of his money.”

In order to ensure progression, Latics manager Roberto Martinez was keen to add a finisher to his squad and took the gamble. “He is a front to goal finisher, a penalty box poacher,” Tim added.

With 49 goals in 92 appearances for Estudiantes it was clear that during his development in Argentina, he knew his way to goal. During his purple patch, Boselli had the best midfield on the continent at the time behind him, including Juan Sebastian Veron and feasted on the service he received. 

Tim explained why his signing was doomed from the start: “It was clear when he arrived that he was out of his comfort zone, away from that midfield, and in a league where the defenders are quicker, stronger and better, and he struggled.”

If you take away his goals, Boselli offers little else to any teamteam, he has no genuine pace, at under six foot he cannot be used as a target man either and his work rate leaves a lot to be desired. 

His only strike for the Latics came in a League Cup tie against Swansea City. Following a string of woeful performances where his confidence plummeted, and he was quickly shipped out to Italian side Genoa, where he similarly struggled with only one goal in six appearances.

This season has seen him return to Estudiantes and his found his scoring touch once again, with 11 goals to date, including a strike on the weekend, but the fountain of knowledge on South American football does not think he will ever flourish in England:

“He is very much the definition of ‘money down a rat hole,’ but if he does return to England he might do better, he could hardly do worse though.

He does have the ability to sniff out the chances in the penalty area, but as a Premier League centre forward he hasn’t got a hope.”

Franco Di Santo

It is clear that why he has failed at Wigan is down to ability and lack of it. The current Latics squad includes four South American's, including fellow countryman Franco Di Santo so it cannot be a case of loneliness. 

It is clear that it has just not worked out for Boselli and Wigan, be rest assured that the Latics will look to cut their loses with him come the summer, rather than give a second chance. This would allow everyone to move on quickly and forget the man labbled by the fans as the worst signing in the club’s history.