The Big Preview: Wigan Athletic (A)

The Canaries return to the big-time against Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium this afternoon.

Paul Lambert's side will be backed by an army of 4,500 fans, all hoping to see the Yellows get off to the perfect start back in the Premier League.

Wigan face all three promoted teams in the opening weeks of the season and after being beaten 4-0 at Blackpool on the opening day last term will be determined to hit the ground running.

City boss Paul Lambert told canaries.co.uk that his side are going to be going all out for the win:

'The lads have all done great, and we're up against an established side in Wigan.

'We have to learn really quickly to adapt. We have to go up there with no fear and trepidation. If you do then I think you're in trouble.

'We're going to give it a go, I would rather do that than be on the back foot for 90 minutes.'

Wigan chief Roberto Martinez says they have learnt lessons since last season's opening day humiliation by Blackpool:

'We're going to be heavily tested and I feel if we can get through this period with positive results it is going to put us in a great position. It's going to be a real test of how well we've progressed in the last two years.

'We've learnt many lessons. When playing a newly promoted side on the opening day, it's very difficult to match their enthusiasm and their energy and winning mentality.

'We were very naive against Blackpool last season and we left ourselves exposed. We need to make sure we are more competitive.'

Wigan will leave it late until making a decision on James McCarthy. The influential midfielder suffered an ankle injury in the pre-season friendly against Villarreal last weekend, and is Robert Martinez's only real concern.

Antolin Alzaraz is likely to be included in the squad despite not featuring since returning from Copa America duty with Paraguay, and Hugo Rodalleage will also play.

Been in fine form for the Latics during pre-season, and according to Vital Wigan editor worbo:

If I had to pick out a danger man from the Latics it would be Victor Moses; he'll rip you apart if he's on song, a superb talent, fast, direct, great control and he can shoot.

Paul Lambert will be without James Vaughan and Elliott Ward, who both picked up knee injuries during pre-season.

Russell Martin and Andrew Crofts are doubts but both took part in training this week and are expected to be included in the squad.

Pulled the strings from the centre of midfield for the majority of last season. If Fox runs the game, City win the game.

Wigan Athletic 1 Norwich City 1
Nationwide Football League Division One
Saturday 4th October 2003

A mazy run from Darren Huckerby followed by a simple finish from Iwan Roberts earned the Canaries a share of the spoils the last time they travelled to Wigan. More...

Warwickshire's Stuart Attwell is the man in charge of proceedings this afternoon. Heaven help us all.

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Norwich City v Stoke City
Sunday 21st August, 1.30pm

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Norwich City v MK Dons
Tuesday 23rd August, 7.45pm

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