Meet the opposition | Wigan Athletic
As Swansea City prepare to take on Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium on Saturday, we take a closer look at the Latics.
What’s their story?
After an eight-year Premier League run between 2005 and 2013, Wigan Athletic are looking to re-establish themselves in the Championship after a tough few seasons.
The Latics have been relegated to League One and promoted back up to the second tier twice in the last five years.
They first achieved this under former captain Gary Caldwell before current boss Paul Cook repeated the trick.
Their Premier League stint was a golden era for the club and – under former Swansea boss Roberto Martinez – won their first major honour by beating Manchester City to win the FA Cup in 2013.
Unfortunately, they were relegated the same season, but got to experience Europa League football the following season and came close to defending their FA Cup triumph when getting to the semi-finals.
How’s their form?
Full of ups and down. The season started promisingly with a home win over Cardiff, but it has very much become a tale of differing fortunes at home and on their travels for the Latics.
They are unbeaten in their last four matches at the DW Stadium, keeping four clean sheets and winning three to underline the task Swansea will face this weekend.
However, their away form has not been so good. Indeed, Wigan have yet to claim an away win as they rely on home comforts for points.
Who’s the boss?
Paul Cook. A former Wigan player, Cook joined the Latics as manager after leading Portsmouth to the League Two title in 2017.
The 51-year-old enjoyed a lengthy playing career as a central midfielder, including notable stints with the Latics, Wolves, Coventry City, and Burnley.
He moved into management with a short spell in charge of Southport, before enjoying a successful tenure at Irish club Sligo Rovers.
He moved on to Accrington Stanley and then to Chesterfield, guiding the latter to the League Two title in 2014 and successfully keeping them in League One the following season.
He took over the Latics following their relegation to League One but immediately led them to promotion back to the Championship by winning the title while also reaching to quarter-finals in the FA Cup – beating all-conquering Manchester City along the way.
Looking to consolidate following promotion. Cook and the Latics had some tough times last season, they managed to retain their place in the Championship with an 18th place finish.
Who are the key men?
Centre-back Chey Dunkley has been in fine form and poses a goal threat having scored five goals already this season, including a brace in last weekend’s draw at Bristol City.
Scotland goalkeeper David Marshall was a notable summer signing and offers great experience between the sticks.
Striker Kieffer Moore is another new signing to make an impact. After starring for Barnsley last term, he has proved to be an effective target man, and his performances were rewarded with a Wales debut.
Winger Jamal Lowe joined the Latics from Portsmouth to reunite with Cook during the summer after an outstanding 2018-19 season in League One and has been a regular.
Nathan Byrne, meanwhile, was named the club’s player of the season last term, and has again been in good form, while fellow defender Antonee Robinson made his loan move from Everton permanent over the summer.
