Many Thanks to Wigan Athletic fan Katie Powl for tackling our Trash Talk questions this week in what will be the game of the day in League 1, and will have a big say in the final places come the end of the season.
1 – Can you give us a surprising fact about your club that very few people would know?
Wigan have never won the play-offs in any of the English Leagues, so hopefully we can steer clear of the play-offs this season!
2 – With about two months left in the fixtures calendar, where do you see your club ending up in the League 1 table, and in the same manner where do you think the Dons will finish up?
Even with the added pressure of games in hand and the EFL trophy I am confident the Latics will remain in the top 2, MK Dons have been a brilliant side this campaign and will push us and Rotherham all the way but think they will just miss out and end in 3rd place.
3 – Rotherham look nailed on to go up, with possibly Wigan in second, the rest is a bit of a lottery. Who is your tip for the two teams having a day out at Wembley in the playoff final, and the ultimate winner?
Wycombe and MK Dons, Wycombe have been in this position previously and if you keep up with your current form there’s a very strong case for making the final, which will be a very tight game.
4 – At the other end of the table the race for survival is also on, who do you think will get relegated?
Doncaster and Gillingham, Gillingham have an extremely tough run in and both having played more games are in a position where they will be relying on other results. Crewe could start to get cut adrift in the next few games if they aren’t careful, however there’ll be at least one spot that will go down to the last day.
5 – Much has been said about the price of football, especially with some of facilities on offer, what’s a fair price of entry at this level in your opinion?
£20-£25 maximum. £10 maximum for under 18s. Good value as there are quite a few large clubs in the division.
6 – Recent weeks has seen several incidents of crowd trouble, with fans running on the pitch and striking players, offensive chanting, fighting outside of grounds, and it almost feels like a return to the problem days of the 70’s & 80’s. We think that social media is at the heart of this, what’s your take on it?
Offensive chanting is definitely linked to social media as both online and at games the offensive language largely seems to go unpunished. The tightening of rules on pitch invasions has been correctly put in place to deter fans, most of which are children breaking the rules.
7 – All fans love an away day; can you tell us the best and worst grounds you have visited and why?
Best has got to be Accrington, great atmosphere, great prices and quality food and drink, great standing out in the sun, although not sure I’d say the same if it was cold and wet!
Worst, not necessarily a bad ground or view but probably Leicester, the red ‘Leicester’ sausage roll is one of the worst half time foods I’ve ever had, alongside the widespread use of clappers. My first experience of VAR probably didn’t help my opinions either.
8 – Can you tell us the style of play we can expect to see from your team?
A 4-2-3-1, formation. We often have the most possession in games and particularly like using the wide areas of the pitch. However, at times, especially when sitting deep we enjoy a lot of long balls forward as our main form of attack.
9 – Can you give us a player from each team that you feel will have the greatest influence on the result of the game?
Will Keane- Top goal scorer, brilliant control of the ball and good at setting up chances too. Not afraid of taking on defensive duties either.
Scott Twine – A great signing in the summer carries a great attacking threat, a great young talent. Will certainly be a handful for Power and Whatmough on that side.
10 – Thanks for taking part, all we need now is your prediction for the game?
This game has a lot riding on it, may be a defining point of season for both sides, will be a very tight game, very similar in terms of goals scored and conceded. Will back us to hopefully just sneak it 2-1.
