Low-scoring clash in store when Wigan take on Cardiff City
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With limited funds to play with and a relatively small squad at his disposal, Wigan Athletic manager, Paul Cook, did a splendid job of achieving stability at the Lancashire club as Wigan finished last season in 18th place.
Following automatic promotion at the end of the season before, claiming the League One title, a season of consolidation in the Championship was the primary objective and The Latics achieved this despite a lengthy spell of some very ordinary results.
A particularly poor spell of form from mid-February through to mid-April resulted in Wigan recording just 1 win from 11 matches which was against Lancashire rivals, Bolton Wanderers, who themselves, were a beaten unit by then.
However, Cook’s side rallied in the final weeks of the season by putting together a 5-match unbeaten sequence which included wins against Leeds United, Preston North End and Millwall.
Even more impressive though was Wigan’s record at their DW Stadium; outside of the teams in the play-off pack, The Latics boasted the fewest defeats on home turf in the division, losing just 4 at home throughout the whole campaign.
A potential lack of goals this season though must be a major concern for Cook as the likes of Powell (8 goals, 6 assists), Clarke and James have left the club with Joe Garner being the only recognised forward up front.
Visitors, Cardiff City had to endure a long, tough and emotionally draining campaign in the Premier League last season which ultimately ended in relegation for The Bluebirds after just one season in the top flight.
It was bad enough having to try and stay afloat in arguably the strongest division in the world, but the death of their new signing Emiliano Sala in a plane crash tested Neil Warnock and his squad’s resilience to their limits.
As it was, Cardiff City only just missed out on Premier League survival by a slender 2-point margin despite recording a memorable 2-0 win away at Old Trafford against Manchester United on the final day of the season.
Bluebirds manager, Neil Warnock, is expected to announce his retirement at the end of this season but expect his side to challenge for a top six spot in this campaign as he seeks a quick return to the top flight.
Wigan were impressive at home last season while Cardiff will grind out results both home and away - neither side though are noted for a flamboyant attacking style so a low-scoring encounter could unfold here.
Home team
Away team
Pred
Correct score
Avg. goals
Weather conditions
Coef.
Score
Live
coef.
CH
413722
1
2 - 0
2.07
21°-23°
3.00
3.00
3.24
2.50
-1
-1
1
3 - 2(0 - 1)
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