Chelsea v Wigan Athletic: Martinez hopes to make the Bridge a blue, blue place
According to most pundits all Chelsea need to do is turn up this afternoon and they will be crowned champions. However, Roberto Martinez and Wigan Athletic have other plans which could make Stamford Bridge a real blue place to be.
The Latics stunned Carlo Ancelotti’s men in September by running out 3-1 winners and historically they always give the leaders a tough game. Last season it took a late, late Frank Lampard strike to salvage all three points at the Bridge and before that a last-gasp Emile Heskey effort denied the Blues all three points. Even in their first season in the top flight they made it hard for Chelsea both home and away. However, they are still waiting to record their first away league win in west London and even Sir Alex Ferguson wouldn’t expect that from them this afternoon in his wildest dreams.
Chelsea have been in formidable form over recent weeks and Anceotti is on course to end his first season at the club with an FA Cup and league double. Not even the great Jose Mourinho managed to record that feat. But the threat posed by Wigan should not be taken lightly. They have speed and skill in their ranks and have shown that on their day they are a match for anyone.
Wigan’s last away win in the Premier League came back in January when they beat Wolves 2-0 while only Manchester City have left Stamford Bridge with maximum points this season. On current form you’d have to go with Chelsea but you never can tell what will happen when Wigan Athletic are around.
