Wigan without distractions are a dangerous Championship animal
Published:A talented manager, a squad blessed with proven Premier League quality and no sapping involvement in European competition; the new Championship season promises much for Wigan.
The Latics ultimately came unstuck in the play-offs last season after the appointment of former Brentford boss Uwe Rosler ushered in a stunning turnaround in the club’s ailing league fortunes.
In fairness to his predecessor Owen Coyle, the Scot had been attempting a difficult juggling act with a squad too shallow to adequately cope with the rigours of the Europa League group stages.
Shorn of the shackles of continental competition, though, Rosler restored the confidence that had seen the majority of the squad pull off a remarkable FA Cup win the season before and winning was firmly back on the menu at the DW Stadium come spring.
Between February and March the German gaffer guided Wigan to six straight Championship victories, catapulting them towards the play-offs when mid-table anonymity or worse had beckoned until December.
Incredibly, only a penalty shoot-out defeat to Arsenal prevented Rosler securing the club consecutive FA Cup final appearances – proving the quality Wigan still possessed in their squad.
Blessed with real talent such as Callum McManaman, James McCarthur and Grant Holt all used to the Premier League, there aren’t many more impressive squads assembled in the second tier.
Meanwhile, Honduran Roger Espinoza also picked up valuable World Cup experience this summer.
Expect Wigan to be a force in the Championship this season, while 3/1 on promotion could be one of the best long-term bets available for the division.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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