Blackburn Rovers v Wigan Athletic
Wednesday 27th January 2010, Kick Off 8.00pm
Ewood Park, Blackburn
Tickets
Tickets are on sale until 4.00pm at the DW Stadium ticket office. Tickets will then be on sale at Ewood Park on the night of the game. [Click Here] for full details.
Watch
Roberto Martinez on Blackburn. [watch]
Mario on Race for fitness. [watch]
Listen
Listen to full match commentary on the game from 7.45pm with your commentary team of Graham Lovett and Paul Chialton. Remember, you can text your comments through to 07874 123 993, the same number to enter our 'predict the score' competition.
If you're not already a Latics Player subscriber, [click here] for immediate access and to take advantage of our January Sale offer.
Preview
For both teams, a win tonight would provide some valuable breathing space between them and the drop zone. Blackburn come into the game after that amazing Carling Cup tie against Aston Villa, when they were on the wrong side of an incredible 6-4 scoreline. Latics showed some guts and determination to claw back a 2-0 half time deficit at Notts County in the FA Cup fourth round but will most certainly welcome back some of the regulars who sat that one out.
Team News
Blackburn will be without Chris Samba who sevres a one-match ban for his sending off in the Carling Cup. Vince Grella and Lars Jacobsen could also be missing, both have been nursing thigh strains. Former Latics frontman Jason Roberts could make a return to side after his knee injury.
With Chris Kirkland on the sidelines due to a training ground injury, Martinez has to choose whether to opt for the experience of Mike Pollitt or to hand a Premier League debut to Serbian international Vladimir Stojkovic. Mario Melchiot is the only other injury concern, the manager will leave it late to decide whether he has recovered sufficiently from a broken nose picked up in the closing stages of the Wolves game.
Latics will welcome back midfielder Hendry Thomas after his one-match ban is served.
The Manager
Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez fully expects a tough encounter at Ewood Park.
"Blackburn are on the back of a very good result against Fulham, they are a physical side and have the ability to score goals from half chances. They are a big threat from set-pieces as well so we'll have to stay concentrated and make sure we're ready to match that battle."
Head To Head
| |
Rovers Wins |
Draws |
Latics Wins |
| League |
5 |
2 |
2 |
| FA Cup |
1 |
0 |
0 |
| League Cup |
3 |
0 |
0 |
| Total |
9 |
2 |
2 |
Last Five Meetings
26/12/09 - Premier League - Latics 1 Rover 1
26/04/09 - Premier League - Rovers 2 Latics 0
13/12/08 - Premier League - Latics 3 Rovers 0
22/03/08 - Premier League - Rovers 3 Latics 1
15/12/07 - Premier League - Latics 5 Rovers 3
Last Premier League Line UpsBlackburn (v Fulham (H) W2-0): Robinson, Chimbonda, Nelsen, Samba, Olsson, Emerton (Salgado, 83), Givet (Hoilett, 59), Reid (Andrews,70), N'Zonzi, Kalinic, McCarthy.
Subs not used: Dunn, Rigters, Di Santo, Brown.
Wigan (v Wolves (A) W2-0): Kirkland, Bramble, Caldwell, Scharner(Gomez, 47), Melchiot, Figueroa, N'Zogbia, Diame, McCarthy, (Sinclair, 89), Thomas (sent off 67) ,Rodallega.
Subs not used: Watson, Amaya, Scotland, Boyce, Stojkovic.
Leading Scorers
Blackburn: David Dunn - 6 Goals (5 league)
Wigan: Hugo Rodallega - 7 Goals (7 league)
Match OfficialsReferee: Lee Mason
Assistants: Rob Madeley Richard West4th Official: Mike DeanTonight's Weather
After a wet afternoon, it will be partly cloudy with the temperature around 4
oC and a 13 mph breeze.
Next Game
Latics v Everton
Barclays Premier League
Saturday 30th January 2010
Kick Off 3.00pm
Tonights Other GamesCarling Cup Semi-Final
Man Utd v Man City, 20:00
Barclays Premier LeagueAston Villa v Arsenal, 19:45
Chelsea v Birmingham, 19:45
Everton v Sunderland, 20:00
