Saturday 22nd September 2012
Kick-off: 16.00
DW Stadium
Wigan
Athletic
(14th)
v
Fulham FC
(9th)
Kick-off: 16.00
DW Stadium
Wigan
Athletic
(14th)
v
Fulham FC
(9th)
Martin Jol's Fulham have endured an inconsistent season in the early stages of the campaign. They have been excellent at home, where they have scored eight goals in two wins. But they have suffered two defeats in away games at Manchester United and West Ham. Wigan will not want that pattern to change and Roberto Martinez will be a confident following a run of just one loss in their last seven league games at the DW Stadium. However, recent history is against the Latics as they have won none of the last 11 meetings between the clubs and their sole home success was when Pascal Chimbonda scored a last-minute winner in their debut Premier League campaign in 2005.
• Roberto Martinez's side have lost five of their last six Premier League games against London opposition. The exception was their 2-1 win at Arsenal in April.
• Fulham have lost their last four league and cup away games without scoring. The last Fulham player to score an away goal was Mahamadou Diarra, in April's 3-0 win at Bolton.
Antolin Alcaraz is Wigan’s only concern for the visit of Fulham. The centre-half is battling to overcome a groin strain picked up on recent international duty – Maynor Figueroa looks likely to be fielded as part of the back-three, with Jean Beausejour taking his place on the left of the midfield four.
A Al Habsi • I Ramis, G Caldwell, M Figueroa • E Boyce, J McArthur, J McCarthy, J Beausejour • A Konè, F Di Santo, S Maloney
Martin Jol has a host of names missing for Fulham’s trip to Wigan. The Cottagers boss revealed Kieran Richardson, Mahamadou Diarra, Simon Davies, Karim Frei, Philippe Senderos and Ashkan Dejagah are all unavailable during Thursday’s press conference. Bryan Ruiz has recovered from a hamstring problem, while Mladen Petric returns to the squad after missing out in last week’s win over West Brom.
M Schwarzer • S Riether, A Hughes, B Hangeland, JA Riise • D Duff, S Sidwell, C Baird, A Kacaniklic • D Berbatov, M Petric
