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0-2 Away win
Albrighton 12
Heskey 24
Friedel
Young (L.)
Cuellar
Collins
Warnock
Young (A.)
Bannan
Albrighton
Downing
Heskey
Agbonlahor
Guzan
Reo-Coker
Carew
Lichaj
Hogg
Delfouneso
Dunne
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be happy with a draw but could sneak a 1-0 win depending on who''s fit. On balance 0-0.
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1-0 to us, courtesy of Ashley.
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A comfortable win I think. 3-1 to us with Heskey, Ash and Downing all scoring.
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1-0 to us, it's about time a centre half scored from a set-piece so I will go with Carlos getting the goal in the 1st half.
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3-1 to us. Heskey, Albrighton and Cuellar. Rodallega for them.
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2-0.
Downing & Heskey (again...Wolves, WBA)
Friedel
Lichaj Cuellar Clark Warnock
Albrighton Hogg Bannan Downing
Young
Heskey
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Couple of changes for me:
Friedel
Lichaj - Cuellar - Collins - Young
Albrighton - Clark - Bannan - Downing
Young
Heskey
Guzan - Warnock - Dunne - Reo-Coker - Hogg - Delfouneso - Gabby
And we're starting to look like a half decent side again!
2-0 Villa.
Ashley Young x 2
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Reo-Coker will come straight back into the side. We need more experience in the middle, particularly in away games.
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I think we'll win this 1-2.
We have a good record up there and the JJB or whatever is called now is the least imtimidating away ground in the league.
Wigan play an open game aswell so we'll get a good number of chances.
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Wigan 1 Villa 2 Collins Gabby. Really need this win as following fixtures are critical .........
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another Heskey goal for me 0-1
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2-0.
Downing & Heskey (again...Wolves, WBA)
And Burnley
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Villa 2-1 Downing, and Albrighton
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What's the news on Gabby's availability?
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Looking forward to my second away game of the season two days before my 21st. We really shouldn't lose to this lot. 0-1. Ireland 89.
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Think we will lose this one 2-1 unfortunately, have a bad feeling about it and I suspect we will under-estimate Wigan...
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Can't believe people are suggesting Bannan start at the weekend. He has been totally lost of late. Reo Coker and Clark for me with Hogg first man on if a change is needed.
Friedel
Lichaj, Collins, Cuellar, L Young
Albrighton, Reo Coker, Clark, Downing
A Young, Heskey
We badly need three points. If we picked the side above I'd be confident of getting them.
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Sooner or later we've gotta annihilate someone, 1-5 to us, Downing 2, Young pen, Heskey, Albrighton
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I expect us to win.
They're the type of side we've tended to do well against, it's generally been the more direct teams that have upset us.
Reo Coker in for Bannan is the only change that I think we have to make but obviously we have to expect our usual late injuries and illnesses.
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Can't believe people are suggesting Bannan start at the weekend. He has been totally lost of late. Reo Coker and Clark for me with Hogg first man on if a change is needed.
Friedel
Lichaj, Collins, Cuellar, L Young
Albrighton, Reo Coker, Clark, Downing
A Young, Heskey
We badly need three points. If we picked the side above I'd be confident of getting them.
Me too Billy, he needs a rest I think.
I'd persist with Warnock for this one mind you and drop L Young.
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Maybe a draw, we'll go two goals up and they'll score in the 87th minute and then snatch an injury time equaliser. Gutted. It nearly happened last weekend. West Brom were unlucky. I need to get my dissapointment in early.
It kinda feels like the DOL era again. Anything can happen. 2-2.
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I think our inability to defend for a full 90 mins will again come back to haunt us, 1-2 defeat with a late winner for them
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I think a new found confidence and knowing where the net is now will only help us 2-0 win the Villa. Heskey and Cuellar, got a feeling
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Got to get some consistency going now... a win against the Pie Eaters would be great and then up hopefully we can start to look up instead of down.
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This result could be crucial for our season, if we get a win and a few unexpected points out of the next 6 games against spurs, man city twice, chelsea, blose and sunderland we could really improve in 2011 but if we struggle then we are back to square one after last weeks result. I am sitting on the fence and going with a boring draw as Wigan are no slouches at home.
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Let's hope the expected snow this weekend dose'nt get this called off, like it was last season.
A game we need to win. I'm going 3-1. Heskey (2) and Albrighton.
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For me.
................Friedel
Lichaj..Cuellar..Collins..Warnock
............NRC....Hogg
Albrighton...Ash....Downing
..............Heskey
Bannan was not as effective as Hogg against Baggies and NRC is a garenteed starter.
I think we will see a massive improvement with this two in the middle.
Then a 3 nil win for me, Heskey, Downing and NRC
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Right I think we'll win, just as long as Heskey stays fit and Cokers ready for 90.
I'd go:
--------------Friedel-------------
Lichaj, Cueller, Collins, Clark
---------Hogg----NRC----------
Albrighton-------------Downing
-------------Ash-------------------
--------------Tumbling Bear-----
For Gerards system we definitely need two break em up players in the centre, to carry the three waif attacking mids. Bannan was lost in that position. He should be on the bench to replace one of Downing, Albrighton or Ash if needs be. But as one of a central 2? No way. Sorry. We'll just get muntered in the middle of the park.
3-0 Heskey, Albrighton and Ashley.
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Yes, replace Bannan for Reo-Coker if he's fit and ready.
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I agree with the consensus. NRC plus Hogg in the middle, or maybe Clark. Only other question is whether Lichaj keeps his place. I think LY has been dodgy of late, but haven't see much of Lichaj so won't comment.
I have a feeling we'll win. But our away form is so shockingly bad I don't think we can be at all confident.
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We have to beat this lot. Despite our shockingly poor record against them at home (never beaten them at VP in the league have we?) we tend to do OK at their place. I would expect us to be too strong for them this time as they are certainties for the drop. I'll go for 2-0 to us with Downing getting them both.
Hope to see the following:
Friedel
Warnock
Cuellar
Collins
Young (Lichaj is not ready yet imo)
Downing
Clark
Reo-Coker
Albrighton
Ash
Gabby
They have a big pitch and having Gabby to exploit the space will be a better option than Heskey. Plus Gabby needs games to get his form going ahead of a very tough run of fixtures.
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No way he will not play Heskey .........
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could go into the top 10 if win this one and others lose. fancy the villa 1-3 heskey hatrick
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A central-midfield of Hogg and Reo-Coker wouldn't be too creative. Maybe go Reo-Coker and Bannan and take Bannan or a winger off with twenty minutes to go if we're winning.
A big 'if', admittedly.
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Them 1 - 2 Us
Them: Chief "we just don't know what the silly fat bloke is complaining about" Wiggum
Us: Cuellar & Young
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scrappy 1-0 win for us.Heskey to score again!!!
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A central-midfield of Hogg and Reo-Coker wouldn't be too creative. Maybe go Reo-Coker and Bannan and take Bannan or a winger off with twenty minutes to go if we're winning.
A big 'if', admittedly.
The creativity will come from Downing, Young and Albrighton. I just think we need a bit of solidity at the moment and some protection for the back 4.
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I'd start with Clark and Reo-Coker in the centre of midfield, give Hogg and Bannan a rest. They've played a lot of games recently and Bannan's starting to dip a bit. Albrighton right, Downing left, Ashley buzzing around behind Heskey.
Only issue is with the back four and whether Luke starts over Lichaj if he's fit again. There's a case for both players and I'd be happy with either, to be honest.
Bench of: Guzan, Dunne, Lichaj/Young, Hogg, Bannan, Gabby, Delfouneso
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Have to win, don't think we will. A draw, perhaps, if we're lucky. 1-1, Carlos for us.
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3-0 Villa win, Heskey all three.
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Confidence must now be creeping back into the team now Gabby Heskey and a few others are in contention for places. Wigan 1 Villa 2 Collins Albrighton ........
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My front 6
Albrighton Reo Coker Downing Young
Agbonlahor Heskey
I know Downing is a bit powderpuff, but Bannan's not the biggest bloke and Reo Coker should give more protection than Hogg or Clark with his energy. I actually think that middle 2 is stronger than Clark/Hogg and Bannan and Ireland and Petrov which are partnerships we have used so far and got some decent results with.
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I would also add that on the 2 previous occassions we have moved a wideman inside it worked very well with Barry and Milner. Also on both occassions that was alongside Petrov who is arguably more attack minded than NRC and certainly not as quick as covering the ground back.
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Looks like Gabby might be back.
We really need him, so fingers x'd.
2-1 Villa ( we always concede)
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What gives me hope in this one is that Wigan got a good result last week against Everton keeping a clean sheet.
It seems to be their pattern that they can never follow up a good result with another one.
On the other hand I think our win last week may have caused some players to refind their confidence.
What are the chances of this one being called off? Due to be a lot of snow up there I think.
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Tickets have come and (not including Wembley twice) is first away game since Sunderland in the CC last year, so really looking forward to it. Hopefully a 3-0 win, with all the goals being scored at the away end.
Though heavy snow forecast in Birmingham and Wigan for Saturday could ruin my plans.
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We're off up there too. Could be interesting with the weather!
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Think our line up for this one will be very interesting. I have no doubt that GH will play Emile, and rightly so after his performance last week. So what will he do then - play Ash behind Emile with two holding midfielders (NRC and Hogg) and two wingers(Downing and Marc) thus leaving Gabby on the bench, or will he play Gabby alongside Emile giving us more forward threat, and if so what does he do with Ashley? Also if he plays Gabby and Emile does he feel he needs more creativity in midfield and plays wee Barry - if so who is left out?
Very interesting - I await the team announcement with interest!!
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Confident we'll win this one. Wigan are bloody dreadful.
1-0 to us, Heskey or Gabby in the 1st half.
However, once again Houllier will look desperately cold on the bench. And his eyes will protrude slightly when he shifts them about.
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It's only £20, think I'm gonna go.
There's no chance of it being off is there?
The same fixture last year had me in town at 7am waiting for hear on the radio if it was on or not, I can't be arsed with that again.
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I guess he will play the same team as saturday with NRC coming in for Bannan or Hogg, Gabby on the bench
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2-0 win
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2-1 Villa
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Pissing it down with snow up here in Manchester. Snow forecast over the weekend too.
Could be off.
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Hope if they're going to call it off they do so before we leave on the coaches at 10.00am.
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Pissing it down with snow up here in Manchester. Snow forecast over the weekend too.
Could be off.
Chorley and Formby clear today
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Can just imagine being stuck in egg-chasing land, with the game being called off. Still, at least it's the more entertaining form of egg-chasing.
Work Christmas party tomorrow. Bet I feel great on Saturday morning.
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I'm in Liverpool tomorrow night and heading over on Saturday. If it's off I won't be best pleased that's for sure.
A freezing cold, fairly dull 1-1 draw I reckon. Happy Christmas!
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They play in front of an empty stadium for the most part which can't be good for their morale. I think our pace and power will be too much for them and we'll see it through 2-0. Our first clean sheet in what seems an eternity. I expect Albrighton will cause them fits with Downing and Gabby to take advantage.
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Lawro reckons we'll win, as does the guest forecaster, one of the blokes off the judging panel of Strictly Come dancing (Not the two fruits).
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Now Ashley Young is out for a few weeks (hopefully back for Blues on Jan 16th) I'd play
Friedel
Lichaj Cuellar Clark Warnock
Albrighton NRC Bannan Downing
Heskey Agbonlahor
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Now Ashley Young is out for a few weeks (hopefully back for Blues on Jan 16th) I'd play
Friedel
Lichaj Cuellar Clark Warnock
Albrighton NRC Bannan Downing
Heskey Agbonlahor
With Ash out I'd agree with this, if Ash is fit then Hogg or Clark for Bannan.
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Now Ashley Young is out for a few weeks (hopefully back for Blues on Jan 16th) I'd play
Friedel
Lichaj Cuellar Clark Warnock
Albrighton NRC Bannan Downing
Heskey Agbonlahor
Yep. 4-4-2
But I'd play Hogg instead of Bannan, let him and NRC do all the graft and get the ball out to Downing and Albrighton.
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It has to be Hogg or NRC surely.
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What are the chances of the game being postponed ?
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2-2 draw with their equalizer coming in the 95th minute
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got to win this 3-1 villa!!
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Changes from last week, I'd have NRC in for Ashley, we could push Bannan out wide and play Downing a bit more advanced if needed, him and Barry could always swop positions during the game.
It would be a shame to drop Bannan cos he's had a couple of quiet games, I hope we let him find his best form again.
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1-2 away win. 92nd min goal 4 them as it is the season 4 giving.
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What are the chances of the game being postponed ?
Pretty good i'd have thought.
Wasn't it psotponed last season as they were worried that it was 'a bit slippy'?
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What are the chances of the game being postponed ?
Pretty good i'd have thought.
Wasn't it psotponed last season as they were worried that it was 'a bit slippy'?
I think that was the Blackburn game. The Wigan game was postponed because the under-soil heating packed up the night before the game.
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What are the chances of the game being postponed ?
Pretty good i'd have thought.
Wasn't it psotponed last season as they were worried that it was 'a bit slippy'?
It was postponed because their undersoil heating had packed up after they'd spent days trying to get the match on, which led to an outburst of tantrums on here and coopers bemoaning the fact that our team had to undergo a night in the hardships of a 5* hotel followed by a perilous journey back down the uncharted frozen wastes of the M6.
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Friedel
Lichaj
Collins
Cuellar
Warnock
Albrighton
Reo-Coker
Bannan
Downing
Agbonlahor
Heskey
That's what I'd go with tomorrow.
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Would love Bannan in the middle but Hogg will probably start with NRC. If we are losing think he will then bring on Bannan and go for goals .......
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Houllier has said that Cuellar is definitely starting.
So that's good news.
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Hopefully with Clark alongside him.
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The referee is Jon Moss (West Yorkshire)
Moss is refereeing his first ever Premier League game, although he has overseen cup games involving PL teams.
He will be assisted by Andy Halliday (chequered flag) and Trevor Massey (yellow flag), while Howard Webb is 4th official.
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Surely everyone can see we need NRC and Hogg in the middle, Bannan is not very effective in a midfield two.
We have had such poor results because we have been totally over run in midfield.
With Hogg and NRC we should be solid with 3 creative players buzzing around heskey.
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................. Friedel
Lichaj..Cuellar..Collins..Warnock
Alrbrighton..NRC..Hogg..Downing
...........Gabby..Heskey
I'm pretty certain this is the team we will play, the only alternative could be Bannan in Ash's role with gabby on bench.
3-0 Villa win
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The referee is Jon Moss (West Yorkshire)
Was'nt he in Culture Club?
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Maybe Clark and NRC for me in the middle, Hogg and NRC are too similar, but with Clark there would be a nice balance, one right footer one left, one energetic ball winner, one composed passer and a bit of extra height in the team..
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snowing heavily up here at themo, 4 inches in last 3 hours, hope the game is on
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snowing heavily up here at themo, 4 inches in last 3 hours, hope the game is on
If there's that much I hope it's off.
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Glad I didn't get a ticket now.
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The weather up here in Bolton is bad snow is getting heavier and continuing til about 3am according to the forecast. About 3in here.
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Isn't Bolton a bit more 'edge of the moors' than Wigan?
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Isn't Bolton a bit more 'edge of the moors' than Wigan?
Yes but no one wants to actually live in Wigan!
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Isn't Bolton a bit more 'edge of the moors' than Wigan?
Yes but no one wants to actually live in Wigan!
Oh yes they do:
http://wiganworld.co.uk/webcam/
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Isn't Bolton a bit more 'edge of the moors' than Wigan?
Yes but no one wants to actually live in Wigan!
Oh yes they do:
http://wiganworld.co.uk/webcam/
How come you were looking for a webcam that showed Wigan's red light district? haha
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Just watching the news, will be shocked if the game goes ahead, setting out at 11.30am, is a decision usually made by then?
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Just watching the news, will be shocked if the game goes ahead, setting out at 11.30am, is a decision usually made by then?
It'll be first thing if it's off, but I doubt it will be. I would guess the roads and footpaths will be clear and that's the main thing. The only way it'll be called off will be if there's a seriously heavy load of snow still falling in the morning.
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That's the Orwell pub on Wigan Pier. About a mile from the ground.
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looking at the team we should be able to put out, we should be able to deal with wigan, still worried about our defence
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the north is not exected to suffer tomorrow, this game will go ahead
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the north is not exected to suffer tomorrow, this game will go ahead
Not according to NW Tonight sorry. Wigan is due for a load more snow over night.
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They called it off at 8am last time if I recall, luckily had only gone a few miles up the road. Our coach is leaving at 9am tomorrow. Fingers crossed it's on. At least the ground is close to the motorway so all roads up there should be pretty clear.
Lots of conflicting weather reports. Here's BBC's for Saturday in Wigan
http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/3071?&search=wigan&itemsPerPage=10®ion=world&area=Wigan
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I'm leaving at 11.30, so fingers crossed.
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Just been on the BBC Travel website and looked at the live Traffic Cams just around Wigan. Not looking good at the minute up there:
(http://www.wozwebs.co.uk/images/wigan1.jpg)
(http://www.wozwebs.co.uk/images/wigan2.jpg)
All that traffic at this time of night
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main drags and sual carriage ways are don to one lane, and that was 3 hours ago, still snowing here, 3 miles from the ground
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travel update
M6 Greater Manchester - M6 closed and stationary traffic in both directions between J26, M58 (Orrell Interchange) and J27, A5209 (Standish), because of an accident, snow and a jackknifed lorry.
Very Severe
M6 Greater Manchester - Stationary traffic on M6 northbound between J25, A49 (Bryn) and J27, A5209 (Standish), because of snow.
medium
1-46am
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Dunne and Ireland are not even in the 18 travelling to Wigan. Are the Irish pair running out of time at Villa?
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0-2 Downing and Heskey
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They both played in the behind closed door friendly with the foxes. GH in press release claimed not punishment but to "maintain match fitness " at least NRC got a run out too.
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I didn't realise dunne wasn't even in the squad.
Would be inclined to playgabby and heskey, but not sure they are a great partnership. I guess emile would play slightly deeper as he did last season?
An alternative is to play bannan in there, but I think we'd lack punch. Would definitely play NRC and Hogg in the middle as Wigan will play three in there and I fear bannan would get bypassed again.
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According to In Laws living in Wigan there is a lot of snow and don't think we're going to be risking driving over from Harrogate. Much as i'd like to go there is no way i'm prepared to risk getting stuck in Wigan.
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According to In Laws living in Wigan there is a lot of snow and don't think we're going to be risking driving over from Harrogate. Much as i'd like to go there is no way i'm prepared to risk getting stuck in Wigan.
My in laws have just said exactly the same, the roads are atrocious. Don't think this will be on.
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From the Wigan website
game in doubt
http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10429~2247241,00.html
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Don't think we're going to bother going, eveb if the game is on.
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We leave in an hour. Need to know whether it's on or not.
Better check the trains.
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It's off
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Pah!
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Bloody rubbish Wigan are!
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Can't complain about that, an early decision, hope nobody had set out
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Can't complain about that, an early decision, hope nobody had set out
I set out from Sussex yesterday, breaking the journey in Shrewsbury. Fortunately, I got the news a few minutes before setting off from Shrewsbury this morning. There are always a few who travel up from the London area and they're probably already on the train from Euston.
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This is good news for me.
I was meant to be in Manchester from Thursday until Saturday for some ski practice and then the Wigan game.
A combination of the anticipated snow chaos, work and a cough lead to me not travelling up.
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Our coach got to the pick up point in Stourbridge when we heard the game was in doubt, so we all piled off into the local Wetherspoons until we heard confirmation. The journey back was a bit of a nightmare, the coach finally giving up trying to get up a hill just outside Blackheath, so me and a mate had to walk it the 3 miles back to Warley. Which was nice.