Wigan Athletic vs Aston Villa Match Preview
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez was disappointed that his offer to bring Celtic striker Scott MacDonald south failed. The Latics were looking to bring McDonald in on a loan deal, with the hope of completing the full transfer in the close season. Celtic, however, are apparently looking for the full transfer fee so the deal has fallen through. Martinez\'s spirits will be buoyed however by the news that Serbian international goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic has received a work permit and will be available for the match against Aston Villa on Saturday. Stojkovic is likely to be back up for current No.1 Chris Kirkland while Richard Kingson is on international duty with Ghana.
Aston Villa\'s heady ride toward the top four in the league suffered consecutive setbacks in their last two Premier League matches as the Villains lost to Arsenal at Emirates Stadium and then Liverpool at Villa Park. Still, with four consecutive wins preceding the Arsenal and Liverpool matches, and currently sitting sixth in league, on even points with fifth place Manchester City who have a game in hand, Villa manager Martin O\'Neill can still take comfort from the fact that he has a side capable of winning. Winger Stewart Downing has been a particular delight for O\'Neill, and he believes Downing will only improve as he settles into the team.
