Chelsea v Wigan Athletics
Chelsea Vs Wigan on Sunday 10th February 2013 at Stamford Bridge.
Last Win/Defeat Last Win/Defeat
Won 2-1 v Arsenal (H) 20/1/13 Won 0-3 v Aston Villa (A) 29/12/12
Lost 3-2 v Newcastle (A) 2/2/13 Lost 2-3 v Sunderland (H) 19/1/13
Last Corresponding Match:
Saturday 2nd April 2012 at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea 2-1 Wigan
Chelsea: Manager, Raphael Benitez
Already rumour and gossip are circulating in the media regarding the longer term tenure of Rafael Benitez at Chelsea – seems it could be said that coaching positions are a revolving door with caretaker managers such as Roberto Di Matteo and Guss Hidding who scarcely stayed long enough to establish consistency out of a top class English Premier League club.
However the most relevant question at present is what or who is the alternative for Chelsea at this time. Above all else and especially at this crucial time in the season stability would appear to be paramount because if indeed Chelsea slip down the English Premier League table their chances of gaining a top class permanent coach also goes into decline.
Chelsea at present is in a precarious position with the two Manchester Clubs above them and just one point ahead of Tottenham, four ahead of Everton and five ahead of Arsenal.
Each of Tottenham, Everton and Arsenal are “in form” and could be described as hungry teams eager to climb above Chelsea along with every bit of grit and determination to do so.
In Chelsea’s defence they have suffered setbacks such as the almost total disappointment in the lack of performance from Florent Malouda (who it seems is finally departing the club resulting in the saving of his 80,000 pound per week salary).
And what of Fernando Torres?
Young talent is needed not underperforming overpriced veterans are what Chelsea appear to need – major problem number one is youngsters need time.
Will Chelsea slip from the top four altogether – maybe the answer is yes if the club is unable to regain stability.
Wigan: Manager, Roberto Martinez.
With the English Premier League’s leading goal scorer Arouna Kone back in the team ( after Ivory Coast exited the Africa Cup of Nations ) and returning home in time to prepare and train for the weekend’s game at Stamford Bridge Roberto Martinez’ team is in there with a chance against Chelsea. Kone continued to maintain his fitness experiencing at least some playing time whilst away and being constantly in touch with the Wigan coaching team.
Another possible standout for Wigan could well be Roger Espinosa who played well against Southampton last weekend. His versatility is a positive for Wigan where he played especially well in the mid field.
A possible non starter for Wigan this weekend could be Emeerson Boyce who did not play against Southampton owing to a hamstring injury.
