The Championship Weekend Preview

Bolton Wanderers v Wigan Athletic

The South Lancashire derby was an absolute classic earlier in the year with the Latics running out winners in a five goal thriller at the DW. Wigan need to continue their great form if they are going to make the play offs, whilst Bolton are looking to end the season well after pulling away from the relegation zone.

Championship
Lukas Jutkiewicz

Bolton have undergone a real turnaround in the last month or so. After winning just twice throughout December and January the Trotters have won 4 of their last 7 games and only been beaten in their last 10 by Burnley and Brighton who are 2 of the Championship’s best teams on their day. Many fans were calling for the board to act and relieve Dougie Freedman of his duties, however the club should be applauded for sticking with their man as he has steered clear of the relegation zone and looks set to end his first full season at the club well. The loan signing of Lukas Jutkiewicz from Middlesbrough has been one of the best deals in the Championship this year with the big striker scoring 5 goals in his 11 games at the Reebok so far. He hopes to make the deal permanent in the summer and is his game’s key man.

Wigan’s exceptional run of 8 wins out of their last 9 unbeaten games came to an end on Tuesday away at play off rivals Queens Park Rangers. It was a disappointing result for Uwe Rosler’s men who have played 12 games in the past 46 days (roughly 1 every 4 days) and it is vital that with plenty of games still left to play that they do not suffer from burnout. When Rosler took over Wigan were struggling in the bottom of half of the table, now they are breathing down the necks of Derby in 3rd place with many tipping the Lactics to play off glory. The attacking strength of the Wigan side is frightening, anyone of their midfield has the quality to be a goalscoring threat. This is made clear with Wigan’s goals coming from 16 players in their squad.

Previous meeting: 3-2 Wigan win

Match odds: Bolton 9/5   Draw 11/5   Wigan 6/4

Score prediction: 2-2 draw

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