Pedigree: The 2009-10 campaign is their fifth season in the Premier League - not bad for a team which was only formed in 1932 and elected to the Football League in 1978. They won promotion from the old Fourth Division in 1981-82 but it was not until they finished Championship runners-up in 2004-05 that they really hit the big time.They're The Ones Who...get slated for constantly failing to fill their 25,0000-capacity stadium - the re-named DW Stadium. Even the visit of Liverpool last season did not attract a full house in Wigan, a town where rugby league is the number one sport.
If Money Were No Object: Wilson Palacios, Emile Heskey and Antonio Valencia would still be at the club. Instead the trio have gone on to bigger and better things at Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Manchester United respectively with Wigan cashing in to raise around £35 million in transfer fees.
Stat Attack: The cheek of it. . . .Wigan were one of six teams who had the nerve to open the scoring against eventual Premier League champions Manchester United last season.If Money Were No Object: Wilson Palacios, Emile Heskey and Antonio Valencia would still be at the club. Instead the trio have gone on to bigger and better things at Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Manchester United respectively with Wigan cashing in to raise around £35 million in transfer fees.
World Cup Watch: Mario Melchiot, the Wigan captain, might be pushing 33 but he has not given up hope of representing Holland in South Africa. Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland will also be aiming for an injury free campaign as he looks to gatecrash Fabio Capello's England squad.
Last Year's Magic Moment: Toss up between winning at local rivals Bolton Wanderers and Mido's equalising late penalty which badly dented Liverpool's title hopes.
In: Jordi Gomez , Espanyol, £1.7m; Hendry Thomas, Deportivo Olimpia, £2m; Jason Scotland, Swansea, £2m; James McCarthy, Hamilton, undisclosed.
Out: Antonio Valencia, Manchester United, £16 million, Henri Camara, released, Antoine Sibierski, released.
Driving Ambition: To break into the top 10 after finishing 11th last season. Having secured their Premier League survival early, they took their foot off the gas, winning one of their last eight games.
The Reality: Nine months of struggle near the foot of the table.
How Outsiders View Them: 'Little Wigan' are loved by everyone when they have defeated one of the big teams. Hated when they have humiliated your team.
Our Mole Says: Victor Moses is poised to follow former Crystal Palace teammate Ben Watson to Wigan before the start of the season.
Spending Money: Dave Whelan has always been shrewd with his money but the Wigan chairman is being extra cautious this summer. The club record transfer fee - £6m to Newcastle for Charles N'Zogbia - is unlikely to broken any time soon.
The Boss: Roberto Martinez, at 36, is the youngest manager in the Premier League after leaving Swansea to take charge of the club where he achieved cult status as a player.
What To Say About The Squad: Lacking depth.
What Not To Say About The Squad: Don't mention goals. With Zaki back in Egypt, it is hard to pin point where they are going to come from.
Best Friends or Bust-up: If Wigan are to survive then it's vital Lee Cattermole, their highly-talented young midfield player, keeps his cool after being sent off twice last season.
Our Prediction: Mid-table finish not out of the question. But more likely a repeat of 2006-07 when the club avoided relegation on goal difference.
Key Player: Lee Cattermole: Tipped to break into Fabio Capello's England squad after an excellent showing at the European under-21 Championship. Must work on his disciplinary issues, though.
Title Odds: 500/1
Relegation Odds: 7/2
Prediction: 16th.
Last Season's Form
League: 11th
FA Cup: Third Round
League Cup: Fourth Round
Last Season's Form
League: 11th
FA Cup: Third Round
League Cup: Fourth Round
Top League Scorers: 10 - Amr Zaki; 3 - Emile Heskey, Hugo Rodallega, Antonio Valencia;
Discipline: Yellow 61. Red 4.
Team Facts
Team Facts
Nickname: Latics
Ground: DW Stadium
Capacity: 25,138
Address: Loire Drive, Wigan, Greater Manchester, WN5 OUH
Ground: DW Stadium
Capacity: 25,138
Address: Loire Drive, Wigan, Greater Manchester, WN5 OUH
