Preview: Manchester City v Wigan Athletic

Bang in form City take on a Wigan side currently unbeaten in seven Premier League games in what promises to be another game of free flowing football. Roberto Mancini will be looking for another win to maintain our early momentum.

There are concerns however, with the disruption caused by international fixtures and the prospect of Napoli on Wednesday. Players such as Aguero and Zabaleta have travelled long distances and may be rested for the Champions League opener.

Defensive midfield in a concern with Nigel de Jong still a fortnight away from playing. Gareth Barry picked up a knock while playing for England and Owen Hargreaves is a couple of weeks away from match fitness.

Yaya and Milner may be asked to step into the breach, with Barry saved for Napoli. This may leave us more exposed than Mancini would like against a side that likes to play through the middle.

After playing for Bosnia, Edin Dzeko could be given a rest as Tevez is itching for his first start of the season. Likewise Balotelli who, not for the first time, has featured more in the media than on the pitch during the past week.

Adam Johnson should also be fresh after a quiet time with England. Mancini may choose between him and David Silva for one of the wide berths.

If Yaya plays a deeper role and Aguero is rested then Nasri could play in the middle. It’s said to be his favoured position, though many think he’s better suited to a wide position in Mancini’s fluid attacking system.

Wigan’s three new signings Shaun Maloney, Albert Crusat and Patrick van Aanholt could make their debuts. Roberto Martinez’s side are capable of enjoying good periods of possession, similar to Swansea in the opening fixture.

Whether they have a strong enough defence to keep City at bay will be the real test. Hopefully City’s players won’t suffering any international hangover. If we show the same attitude as at Spurs and Bolton then victory ought to be secured.

Blue Days line up:
Hart
Richards – Kompany – Lescott – Kolarov
Y Toure – Milner
A Johnson – Nasri – Balotelli
Tevez

Prediction: 3-0 to City.