Preview : Wigan Athletic vs Chelsea F.C.

Venue : DW Stadium
Date : 19th August 2012
Kickoff : 13:30 BST
TV : ESPN or Star Sports ( check listings for confirmation)

Possible Lineup for Wigan with formation 4-4-2

Al Habsi; Boyce, Caldwell, Alcarez, Figueroa; Moses, McCarthy, McArthur, Miyaichi; Di Santo, Kone.
Unsure: McArthur (back), Ramis

Possible Lineup for Chelsea with formation 4-3-2-1

Cech; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Cole; Mikel, Lampard; Ramires. Mata, E Hazard; Torrest

Unsure : Marin (hamstring), Sturridge (toe)

Referee for the game : Mike Jones
Matches last season : 25, R* : 6, Y* : 86.

R* – Red cars shown Y* – Yellows cards shown

Team News:

Eyes will be on Victor Moses as he faces the team that is reportedly after him since summer. Ivan Ramis cannot feature due to fitness problems but Roberto Martinez has newcomers Fraser Fyvie, Arouna Kone and Ryo Miyachi to select.

Chelsea will be without newcomer Marko Marin who injured himself before the Community Shield game and Sturridge who is suffering from a slight toe problem. But everyone else will be available.

Player to watch out for: Eden Hazard

Notes :

Chelsea will be gearing to start off their campaign and a win at the DW Stadium can set the tone on how the team fares till December. Torres could also find himself in the score sheet if his recent form does not decline and Eden Hazard also has to answer the doubters. Roberto Di Matteo will have to answer the defensive problems if he choses to go offensive.

Wigan was terrific at the end of last season and if they can repeat the same form at the start of this season, then you could count them in as title contenders! Roberto Martinez will also have to chose whether unsettled striker Victor Moses will start against his bidders.

Stat of the match: Chelsea have not lost on the opening day of the season since 1998, when they were beaten 2-1 by a lively Coverntry

Prediction : 2-0 or 1-0 to Chelsea. Cannot look past the European champions and their stature should ensure them a win.