Preview: Latics begin European journey with a trip to Belgium
A last minute goal from Ben Watson against Manchester City in the FA Cup final last season instated Wigan’s position in the realms of European football. However much for their cup success, the latics could not translate their performance in the league and after flirting with relegation for quite some time Roberto Martinez’s side was finally demoted to the second tier of English football.
By qualifying for the Europa league, Wigan became only the third English second division club to play in European competitions after Birmingham City in 2011-2012 and Ipswich Town in 2002-2003.
Roberto Martinez’s talents were recognised by Everton, who acquired the Spaniard’s services, taking over the post vacated by David Moyes. Former Bolton manager Owen Coyle was then given the task of managing the Latics, who aware of Wigan’s participation in Europa League made some signings from the Premier League including former Norwich captain Grant Holt, goalkeeper Scott Carson, former Sunderland star James McClean whereas Manchester United youngster Nick Powell was signed on a season long loan from the defending champion.
However Wigan upon their return to the Championship have had a less than impressive start, managing only two victories in the six matches they have played so far. Owen Coyle’s men are currently 15th and look unprepared for their premier European journey.
Wigan come into this match back of a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Leicester City. To further add to their misery, Wigan will also be without first team regulars Grant Holt, Gary Caldwell and Ivan Ramis.
However James Perch who joined the latics in the summer from Premier League side Newcastle is optimistic of Wigan’s chances.
"It’ll be a massive game for us all on Thursday – the players, the management and the fans. Hopefully we can go there and get the three points to get the campaign off to a flying start," said the defender
"I’ve played in the Europa League so I’ll know a little bit what to expect in terms of refereeing, the opposition crowds and so on.
"The players are a lot more technical on the continent, which we’ll have to get to grips with, and I found it an interesting challenge."
Wigan will be up against a side which finished second in the Belgian Jupiler League, just four points behind winners Anderlecht. After losing to PSV Eindhoven the third qualifying round, Zulte Waregem find themselves in the Europa League and Francky Dury will surely be relishing his chances against a team which plays in the second tier of English football.
However things do not look good for the Belgian side either, who after last season’s heroics currently find themselves in the fifth place in the league table after a 5-2 defeat at the hands of Genk in their last outing.
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels, Live Scores
Zulte-Waregem vs Wigan live on Thursday, September 19, 2013:
In Canada at 13:00 EDT on Sportsnet World Online
In UK at 18:00 BST on BT Sport 1
In USA at 13:00 ET on ESPN3, Fox Soccer 2Go, Fox Soccer Plus
Fans in other parts of the world can watch the match live on their local channels. Those in Australia can watch the match live on Setanta Sports Plus Australia.
For complete details of match listings and live scores, visit the Zulte-Waregem vs Wigan match page.
