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Premier League Preview: Tottenham Hotspur - Wigan Athletic
Can Spurs go marching on?
21-Nov-2009 11:12:27 AM
Kickoff: Sunday 22 November, 2009 - 15:00 GMT
White Hart Lane, London
There was little remarkable about the last time Tottenham Hotspur entertained Wigan Athletic in the Premier League; the goalless draw was typical of Spurs' start and they were left clinging on for spells against a Wigan side who, at the time, boasted a prolific Amr Zaki. It was the setting for the Londoners' second point of the campaign, however; one of only two that Juande Ramos could muster from his eight games in charge before the Harry Redknapp era was ushered in.
Just over a year later, and despite nine players who made an appearance that day in September still being involved in Redknapp’s squad, Spurs look a different proposition altogether. That two-point mark has been long surpassed – on the first day, even – and Tottenham have retained the mantle of being considered one of the most likely to break into the top four once again. A victory over Wigan could help Redknapp clean out the closet further.
Up in Lancashire, meanwhile, a regime change of a different kind has occurred. Steve Bruce’s departure for Sunderland has seen the return of former Latics player Roberto Martinez, and the ex-Swansea City boss has wasted little time in attempting to instil his football philosophy into his new charges.
Martinez has wasted no time in asserting himself in the league, either. While Wigan’s 13th position more than hints at the inconsistency that can be seen by browsing through their results, victories over Aston Villa and Chelsea have also offered a glimpse at the promising talent Martinez has in his ranks. A win over Tottenham would be another handsome addition to the Spaniard’s portfolio.
FORM GUIDE
Tottenham
Tottenham 2-0 Sunderland (Premier League)
Arsenal 3-0 Tottenham (Premier League)
Tottenham 2-0 Everton (League Cup)
Tottenham 0-1 Stoke City (Premier League)
Portsmouth 1-2 Tottenham (Premier League)
Wigan
Wigan 1-1 Fulham (Premier League)
Portsmouth 4-0 Wigan (Premier League)
Burnley 1-3 Wigan (Premier League)
Wigan 1-1 Man City (Premier League)
Hull City 2-1 Wigan (Premier League)
TEAM NEWS
Tottenham
Aaron Lennon is back in training following an ankle injury and could return for Spurs, along with Sebastien Bassong, who had been suffering from a hamstring problem. Meanwhile, Carlo Cudicini is recovering from surgery to his wrists and pelvis after a motorcycle crash over the international break. Luka Modric is still unavailable but nearing full fitness, while Ledley King is also unlikely to feature.
Possible Starting XI: Gomes; Corluka, Woodgate, Bassong, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Palacios, Huddlestone, Jenas; Keane, Defoe.
Wigan
The Latics look set to be unchanged with no new injury problems following their draw with Fulham. Maynor Figueroa, who scored the only goal in both Premier League meetings between the two sides last season, is one of few missing players, so Erik Edman, a former Spurs man, could continue at left-back.
Possible Starting XI: Kirkland; Melchiot, Bramble, Boyce, Edman; Scharner, Thomas, Diame, N’Zogbia; Scotland, Rodallega.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Tottenham
He’s had his fair share of disappointment this week, so Robbie Keane will want to do everything in his power to leave White Hart Lane with all three points. The Republic of Ireland striker has been somewhat overshadowed by performances from those around him this season, but his contribution cannot be underestimated and he possesses the power to terrorise the Wigan back line on Sunday.
Wigan
Martinez has introduced Jason Scotland to the fold since his arrival at the DW Stadium in order to bolster his strike force, but it is in existing personnel Hugo Rodallega that the Spaniard has found goals. The Colombian has scored five times this season and his prolific record at previous clubs Necaxa and Deportivo Cali suggests his best could be still to come.
PREDICTION
Wigan are a team potentially on the verge of a sustained Premier League existence and a step into the upper echelons of England’s elite, but something is yet to click into place. Until it does, expect sides like Redknapp’s Tottenham to edge the Latics out, particularly on their travels.
Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Wigan Athletic
Jamie Dunn, Goal.com UK
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