Wigan v Chelsea Preview

The first away game of the season is against Wigan who despite capitulating on the last day of the season defeated Chelsea at the DW stadium last time Chelsea were the visitors.
Chelsea will be hoping for a much improved performance on that 3-1 defeat this Saturday when the club is again the Saturday evening feature.

I would expect that Carlo Ancelotti will make few changes from the side that decimated West Brom with Paulo Ferreria and John Obi Mikel the only players whose place in the side is at risk.

After a poor performance against West Bromwich Albion, I would expect Ferreria to make way for the reliable Branislav Ivanovic at right back, whilst the arrival of Ramires may mean that Mikel misses out, although he may survive for this week at least.

Likely Team to Face Wigan

Cech, Cole, Terry, Alex, Ivanovic, Mikel, Lampard, Essien, Malouda, Drogba, Anelka
Wigan have had a poor start to the season with defeat to Blackpool on the opening day in a humiliating 4-0 defeat.

Although their manager Roberto Martinez likes to play attractive football he has little resource to get the players into the team to help him with this goal and his side faces an uphill battle with relegation this term.

It is likely that Wigan will play a defensive game despite being at home and it will be up to Ivanovic and Cole to provide the width that can allow Chelsea to break Wigan down.

eChelseaFC refuses to make predictions, but anything other than an away win will be considered a shock.

View from the Shed

Due to low attendances from home fans, Chelsea have received a large allocation meaning that the atmosphere is normally pretty impressive as everyone who wants one can get tickets.
The evening kick off makes it easier to get to the game without a ridiculously early start.