Premiership Wigan v Sunderland

Posted on | August 17, 2007 | No Comments

While these two were many people’s favourites to struggle for survival, they have faired better than most expected in the first two games of the new season. 

New Wigan boss Chris Hutchings, for so long the second man to Paul Jewell, has stepped up to the mark and secured his first premiership win through the week.  However, he takes on a Sunderland team in form, and looking to extend their unbeaten run to three games, and while injuries are mounting Hutchings does have Michael Brown available for the first time this season.

After a whirlwind start with last gasp goals in each of their first two games, Sunderland have arrived in style and this battle at the JJB Stadium could be an interesting affair.  So many new clubs to the premiership have struggled to retain their confidence throughout the whole 90 minutes of a game, although Sunderland seem to get stronger where others may struggle.  The open day victory against Tottenham, courtesy of a last gasp goal form Michael Chopra, was the perfect start for Keane’s boys, and a last minute equaliser at Birmingham in mid week again showed their fighting spirit.

Both Wigan and Sunderland have strengthened their squads in the summer and increased numbers where they could, but the premiership is a very long season and they may well suffer as time goes by.  While each team have an interesting mix of youth and experience, they each lack a striker with that killer touch, that guaranteed 20 goals a season man – something vital if life in the premiership is to be extended. 

That said, they both have a number of strikers who can chip in say 10 plus goals a season, and are proven at lower levels.  Chopra could be the star buy for the “black cats” while the free transfer acquisition of Antoine Sibierski could prove vital for Wigan, with the ex-Newcastle and Manchester City striker already notching two goals in the first two games.  However, he does have a habit of starting well and may go long periods without netting, but he will run all day and he is a handful for any defence.

While home advantage and more experience of life in the premiership would normally push Wigan to the fore, Keane has instilled a confidence and determination into his squad, not seen at Sunderland for some time.  They had a habit of useful away results last season, and while it will be harder this year, do not expect them to roll over away from home – they could be the surprise package of the season.

Forecast : Away Win

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1. Premiership Sunderland v Tottenham
2. Sunderland vs Liverpool preview- Premiership
3. Premiership Sunderland v Liverpool
4. Premiership Aston Villa v Wigan
5. Premiership Sheffield United v Wigan

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