Premier League preview: Wigan v West Brom

8 November 2012 08:04

The DW Stadium will play host to a clash between two sides with their tails up on Saturday when Wigan take on West Bromwich Albion.

After managing just one win from their first eight English Premier League matches this term, Wigan have sprung into life with consecutive wins in their past two games.

The last of those results, a victory over Tottenham at White Hart Lane, has been the highlight of their campaign to date.

And fifth-placed West Brom, who are proving to be early-season surprise packets, will be keen to keep in touch with the Champions League qualification spots.

West Brom have won three of their past six matches and although those triumphs have all come against the current bottom three – Reading, Queens Park Rangers and Southampton – the manner in which they have gone about their business has still been impressive.

But the fact that West Brom have not beaten Wigan in the Premier League in four years is sure to fill the 13th-placed side with confidence ahead of this match-up.

And West Brom manager Steve Clarke says his side have to remain on their toes despite their impressive start to the season.

"We're focusing on our primary objective, which is making sure the Albion are in the Premier League next season. That's always our first target," Clarke told Sky Sports on Monday.

"We've had a good start but now we have to build on that. The more we feel comfortable in the lead, the more objectives we'll set ourselves.

"I want more, if I'm being honest," he told BBC WM on Wednesday.

"We're not getting greedy, we're not getting carried away. We know what our expectation levels are within the club.

"But, if I look back at our games over the season so far, with a bit more luck, we could have had more."

West Brom were especially unlucky not to have salvaged something from their losses to Manchester City and Newcastle, which preceded their latest win against Southampton, with late goals to both opponents costing them dearly.

Meanwhile, Clarke hailed the recent performances of Zoltan Gera, who has thrived despite being moved around the park due to the team's personnel issues.

"Zoltan Gera has played in a different position over the last couple of games because of injuries, playing in the little number 10 role behind the striker," Clarke said.

"He's done really well, but, when Zolly's in the moment, like he is now, you have to play him anywhere."