Rovers Face Wigan Athletic in this evening’s re-arranged fixture, in what will be manager Paul Dickov’s first away league game in charge of the club.
August, however, it was postponed due to the Latics involvement in the FA Community Shield.th
The original fixture was scheduled to be played Saturday 10
The departure of former manager Roberto Martinez saw the appointment of Owen Coyle, with the latter taking charge of his side for the first time at DW Stadium in this fixture.
On opening day Coyle’s side recorded an emphatic victory at Oakwell against Barnsley. That game ended with a 4-0 score line, however, it could have been a lot worse for David Flitcroft’s side. Goals from Ben Watson, Shaun Maloney and new signings Leon Barnett and Grant Holt ensured Wigan made a winning start to their first season back in the second tier.
Coyle’s side was one of the pre-season favourites to make an instant return to the Premier League, and they further strengthened their challenge by adding numerous top class players to an already strong team boasting many Premier League class players.
The additions of Stephen Crainey, Chris McCann, James Perch, Leon Barnett, Marc Antoine-Fortune and Grant Holt have transformed Wigan into serious promotion contenders, and they will be looking to use home advantage to get over the disappointment of defeat at the weekend.
Played For Both Teams
Over the years there have been many players who have represented both Rovers and Wigan Athletic.
Midfielder David Cotterill is the only player currently at the club who has played for both teams. Cotterill signed for the Latics from Bristol City in 2006.
Other players to have represented both clubs include: Mike Newell, Graeme Jones, Lee Butler, Neil Roberts, Pascal Chimbonda and Chris Kirkland.
Previous Fixtures
In the last seven games between the sides there have been a total of 26 goals, arguably this goal-scoring trend could be seen to continue this evening,with Wigan having scored four goals in two League games so far and Rovers netting three in two.
There have only been two goalless draws between Rovers and Wigan in almost 30 games.
Rovers have only failed to score at the home of the Latics in just two of the last ten games played in Lancashire.
Rovers average exactly a goal a game when playing against the Latics on visiting soil, and over 1.5 goals per game in total against the side from the DW Stadium.
Rovers’ biggest victory in Wigan was a 3-0 victory in January 1983.
Team News
Midfielder Dean Furman is available for selection after completing international duty with South Africa.
Fellow midfielders Harry Forrester, Marc De Val and defender Jamie McCombe will miss the game through injury.
Wigan will be without the suspended Callum McManaman after the young midfielder was sent off in Wigan’s defeat by Bournemouth at the weekend.
Defenders Thomas Rogne, Gary Caldwell and Ivan Ramis will all miss the game through injury.
Weather
Cloudy evening expected with the chance of light rain.
Travel
Delays expected on the M62 due to continuing roadworks. Please allow extra time for your journey to avoid delays.
Rovers Player