‘You’ve looked like a side with a hangover, feeling sorry for yourselves’ - Wigan Athletic Preview
Brady Frost, Feature Writer
Twitter: @brady0894
Source for image above: HTAFC
Barry Worthington from Wigan fan podcast Progress With Unity discusses The Latics’ miraculous form before lockdown, their relegation run-in and what Huddersfield can expect on Saturday.
Football’s back! After a three-month suspension due to COVID-19, Huddersfield are back in action as Wigan Athletic travel to an empty John Smith’s Stadium, just two places and a point behind The Terriers.
Prior to lockdown, Wigan were on a remarkable run which saw them pick up 18 points in the last ten games. This put them third in the form table, only behind Leeds and Fulham. However, as we know form doesn’t come into the equation anymore, and it’ll be a case of who adapts better to the conditions of playing behind closed doors.
Town fans can take solace in the fact that in their last game before football paused, Wigan drew 0-0 with Luton Town. Also, this season the only team the Latics have beaten below Stoke City in 17th is Charlton. With a mini pre-season for all Championship teams having taken place, Huddersfield return hopefully on a more level playing field, given they’ve had to play catch-up for most of the season.
With just nine games left to play, we’re approaching the business end of the season, in incredibly unusual circumstances. Town are eight points away from reaching Danny Cowley’s magic 50 point mark to avoid relegation, but with so much uncertainty off the pitch prior to the restart, it remains to be seen how Huddersfield’s season will end. What is certain, is that three points for The Terriers will be a nice return to football for fans watching at home.
With so much to pick at ahead of the game, And He Takes That Chance spoke to Barry Worthington from Wigan Athletic fan podcast Progress With Unity.
Prior to lockdown, Wigan were third in the form table only behind Leeds and Fulham. Photo source: Wigan Athletic
Wigan were in great form before football was suspended, how are you feeling about the restart? Do you think it’s made your survival hopes harder?
A pity the season paused when it did really, we were flying. Hopefully, we can pick up where we left off and continue the good form. I don’t think it’s made much difference to our survival chances, the clubs haven’t been allowed to make additions to their squads and we haven’t lost anyone, I fancy our chances, to be honest.
How would you rate Wigan’s season prior to lockdown?
Not what was hoped, but losing two outstanding players in Nick Powell and Reece James hasn’t helped. After consolidating our position in the Championship last season, I was hoping that we would push on and be around upper mid-table. We had a shocking run of games throughout the Autumn where we went 14 games without a win, it looked like relegation was going to be nailed on, but since the turn of the year we have come to and picked up some very good results.
How have Wigan been doing in their friendlies since football has returned?
They have all been played in secrecy with no news on opponents, scores or players used, so can’t help you there.
In your opinion, what needs to be done to have a successful end to the season?
I feel three more wins would more than likely see us safe, that would give us 50 points and looking at the remaining fixtures of the clubs in the bottom three that would just about be enough.
Wigan boss Paul Cook has been a fan’s favourite at times this season. Photo source: Wigan
Has anyone been a community hero during lockdown? Have any of the players misbehaved?
All the squad have been doing their bit, some great stories emerging of the players and coaching staff helping out in the community, plus the players have been sending videos to fans wishing happy birthday etc.
Who’s going to be your key player in these last nine games?
Kieffer Moore undoubtedly will be instrumental, he’s found his feet in the team and looking a quality striker, Sam Morsy has been inspirational in the middle of the park and was a major factor in our upturn in form.
What did you think of Huddersfield when they played against Wigan earlier this season?
First half we dominated you and took a deserved lead, but you came out in the second half and took the game by the scruff of the neck and caused us some problems, no surprise when you equalised with what was a great strike. You looked a strong and powerful side.
What is the fans’ verdict on manager Paul Cook this season?
You can probably imagine with the run we had in the Autumn that there were calls for him to go, we were following the same pattern every week, conceding late on in games and dropping points from winning positions and nothing in terms of style of play or tactics changed, but with the great run since the turn of the year, the pressure has eased on him from the terraces, though the fan base is probably split 50/50 on wanting him here next season.
What have been Wigan’s weaknesses, is there anything Huddersfield can take advantage of?
Well most definitely it was conceding late goals in games, but we appear to have sorted that out now, I wouldn’t like to give too much away so I will leave it there!
Wigan captain Samy Morsy had been in impressive form before football was paused and was nominated for Championship Player of the Month for February. Photo source: Wigan Athletic
Who has been the standout performer this season?
Skipper Samy Morsy has been very good all season, lately excellent, he is the driving force of the team. Kieffer Moore, after a slow start, has been fantastic leading the line, tireless worker and Leon Balogun has come in and looks like he’s been with us for years. Cool under pressure, great on the ball and reads the game very well.
Which players have performed well but gone under the radar to other clubs in the league?
Right-back Nathan Byrne plays as an extra winger, great dribbler, fast up and down the line and caused opposing sides plenty of problems prior to lockdown.
Is there anything Huddersfield need to be on the lookout for in this game?
We are a physical side but can also play a bit when we lose the ball we close down well to win it back.
Barry from Progress With Unity expected Huddersfield to be pushing for automatic promotion this season. Photo source: HTAFC
What do you think of Huddersfield so far this season?
Very surprised to be honest, I thought you would have been pushing for automatic, but when I have seen you on the TV you’ve looked like a side with a hangover, feeling sorry for yourselves following relegation.
What’s your score prediction for the game?
I’m going for a 2-2, I’m sure both camps will be looking for maximum points, but wouldn’t be too disappointed with a share of the spoils
What’s your end of season prediction?
Current bottom three to go down [Charlton, Luton and Barnsley], Leeds and West Brom automatic. I have a sneaky feeling that Swansea will make the playoffs and if they do I fancy them to go up too.
How do you think Huddersfield will get on against Wigan? Let us know in the comments!
