Wigan could be hammered with difficult openers
Monday, 16 Jun 2008 11:57
Lee McCulloch faces tough opening tests
Wigan Athletic may not be able to celebrate their success in retaining their Premier League status after learning of their testing opening matches against West Ham United and Chelsea.
While they could get their 2008/09 season off to a flying start after a visit to Hull City and a home clash with Sunderland, the following weeks could go either way for the north-west side, with games against Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Middlesbrough, Liverpool and Aston Villa to follow.
And the Christmas period is no more heartening, with Arsenal, Blackburn Rovers, Manchester United and Newcastle United on the list for Steve Bruce's men.
The only positive note seems to be the JJB Stadium side's closing month with a potential 12 points on offer through away trips to newly-promoted West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City and home matches against Bolton Wanderers and Portsmouth.