Wigan Athletic travel to Craven Cottage on Saturday, October 30, for an afternoon kick off against Fulham. Up until match week nine, when they lost 2-1 away to West Brom, Fulham were one of two unbeaten teams this Premiership season.
Fulham are tough competitors, and even more so at home. That said, Wigan have stayed unbeaten, in three matches on the road, this season. They have beaten Tottenham at White Hart Lane, and recorded draws in their other two away encounters, against Birmingham and Newcastle. In fact, Wigan's game against Newcastle saw their first goal conceded on the road, this season. Apex Shed Wigan On the day, at St James' Park, Wigan let slip a two-goal lead and could bank no more than the solitary point.
Fulham will be encouraged by their recent record against Wigan; they have stayed unbeaten in the last seven games against the Latics, while winning just two and drawing the rest. Fulham have developed into draw specialists of sorts, with just three wins in their last 20 games. But in recent matches, the Cottagers have shown a penchant for scoring early in the game, and if they can manage that against Wigan, the Latics will find hard to get back into the game.
Fulham have a long injury list that includes Davies, Zamora, Duff, Murphy, Etuhu and Senderos. Andy Johnson will hope to start for Fulham, while Mario Boselli will be keen to be in Wigan's first eleven, on Saturday especially after his goal in the game on Tuesday against Swansea. But Di Santo and Rodalegga appear certain to start, for Wigan.
In good news for Wigan, Gary Caldwell has returned, and Steve Gohouri is also expected to be ready to play, so Martinez has an embarrassment of riches for the centre back position. However, Politt and Thomas remain injury worries.
Fulham have had five draws and a loss in their last matches and will be looking for the elusive win on Saturday; they will look to Moussa Dembele to provide the initiative in what promises to be a hard-fought game from both teams.