Wigan Athletic v Chelsea: match preview

WIGAN ATHLETIC    V     CHELSEA 

Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Wigan Athletic and Chelsea at the DW Stadium on Saturday Dec 17 2011, kick-off 17:30 GMT. 

   

Back or not? Andre Villas-Boas must decide whether to recall Frank Lampard to his starting line-up at Wiigan

Team News
Wigan defender Antolin Alcaraz is doubtful.
The Paraguay international, making his return from suspension, suffered a rib injury in last week's defeat of West Brom and faces a fitness test.
Fellow defender Emmerson Boyce, who has not featured for six weeks, could take his place.
Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland is in contention for a place on the bench after recovering from the back problem which cut short his loan at Doncaster
Meanwhile, David Luiz returns from suspension for Chelsea.
The defender sat out Monday night's victory over Manchester City after picking up his fifth domestic booking of the season.
Midfielder Michael Essien is on course to return from knee surgery in a month's time.
Match Notes
Carlo Ancelotti may have suffered his first defeat as Chelsea manager at Wigan, but the DW Stadium has presented few other problems for the Londoners.
Chelsea have won five of their six matches here and they will expect to do the same again to move within four points of leaders Manchester City.
The question is, will Andre Villas-Boas recall Frank Lampard to his starting line-up or leave him on the bench for the third game in succession?
Wigan have won two in three but face Liverpool and Manchester United next and any points in this spell will be a bonus.
Betting: Home 15-2, Away 4-11, Draw 15-4.
Stat of the game: Wigan have played five home games, losing four, drawing one, conceding 14 goals and scoring just five.
That is the longest spell that any Premier League club has gone without winning on home soil.
Wigan have also gone 11 games since they won by more than one goal.
Graham Chase’s prediction: Wigan 0 Chelsea 3.
 Saturday, December 17

Wigan Athletic v Chelsea
DW Stadium
Kick-off: 15.00 GMT.
TV: Live ESPN, Highlights, BBC1 Match of the Day.

Wigan (Probable, 4-5-1): Al Habsi; Gohouri, Caldwell, Boyce, Figueroa; McCarthy, Gomez, Moses, Diame, Jones; Sammon
Out: Van Aanholt (ineligible).
Test: Alcaraz (rib), Kirkland (back).

Chelsea (Probable, 4-3-3): Cech, Bosingwa, David Luiz, Terry, Cole; Ramires, Romeu, Meireles; Sturridge, Drogba, Mata.
Out: Essien (knee), Hilario (illness).

Referee: Martin Atkinson (Matches 12, R6 Y43).

telegraph.co.uk

Live TV coverage:

Harry hails Wenger

Spurs boss salutes under-fire Arsenal rival ahead of derby date

Redknapp and Wenger: North London rivals will go head-to-head
again on Sunday.
Harry Redknapp has hailed Arsene Wenger as a 'great manager' as he prepares to put his wits against the Frenchman in Sunday's North London derby.

Friday marks the 15th anniversary of Wenger's appointment as Arsenal manager, but if his team's recent form is anything to go by, there is not much reason for the Frenchman to celebrate.

The departure of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, coupled with the 8-2 humbling at Old Trafford and the shock 4-3 reverse to Blackburn saw some supporters calling for his head.

But Tottenham boss Redknapp insists sacking the man who has brought three Premier League titles to the club since he moved from Japan would be foolish.

"You know what it's like in football. You lose a few games and suddenly Arsene Wenger's a poor manager," Redknapp said.

Great manager:
"The man's been a great manager at Arsenal and I am sure he will be for many years to come. God knows what people are saying about him on the radio.

"They have had injuries. That has been the problem. I think the centre-half (Thomas) Vermaelen is top drawer. They have missed him. I think he is a fantastic player."

Redknapp has only lost one of six North London derby meetings in the league since taking over and he is confident about taking all three points this weekend.

"They'll be difficult to beat but we are a very good team as well so I fancy our chances against anybody," the 64-year-old said.

"I am confident in my own team. I just feel we have good players here. Scott Parker and (Emmanuel) Adebayor coming in have made a massive difference to us.

"Sandro coming back from his long-term injury gives us strength. He's a fantastic player so we look strong."
Respect

And Redknapp is sure that there will be no repeat of Adebayor's infamous goal celebration if the on-loan Manchester City striker scores against former club again on Sunday.

Redknapp feels he has no need to talk to Adebayor about his behaviour this weekend and is confident that the giant striker will not go over the top.

The Spurs boss said: "I'm sure he won't over-react again. I think he apologised last time. He's got a lot of respect for Arsenal still but he loves it here now, he's a Tottenham player.

"I've never spoken to him about it. I hope he does score a couple of times. I hope he slides on his knees and celebrates.

"I am sure he's going to get plenty of abuse come the weekend but he has just got to get on with his game.

"You can't react to that. He's got to get on with it. Fans are entitled to give players all the stick in the world so long as it's in the bounds of decency."

Source: www.skysports.com