Aston Villa vs Wigan Athletic. Sky Bet Championship.
Villa ParkAttendance34,331.
Friday 10 August 2018 12:56, UK
Jack Grealish is expected to keep his place in the Aston Villa starting XI against Wigan after a move to the Premier League failed to materialise on transfer deadline day.
New signings Orjan Nyland and John McGinn will go straight into the squad, as will Axel Tuanzebe after he rejoined the club on loan from Manchester United. Mile Jedinak is fit after missing the win at Hull on Monday night through illness.
However, Keinan Davis and Scott Hogan are struggling to be fit for Saturday's game.
Wigan were busy as the transfer window closed and the newly-promoted Latics have three new signings in contention. Boss Paul Cook added to his strike force with Josh Windass and Joe Garner joining the club and both could make their debuts.
Midfielder Lee Evans could also feature at Villa Park having moved on an initial loan deal from Sheffield United. However, Max Power, a substitute against Sheffield Wednesday last weekend for the opening game of the season, has left to join Sunderland.
Aston Villa have won each of their last three matches against Wigan in all competitions, winning both league matches in 2016-17 and a League Cup tie last season.
Four of Wigan's five league wins over Aston Villa have come at Villa Park, most recently a 3-0 win in December 2012 in the Premier League.
Aston Villa have won their first home league match of the season in just one of their last six campaigns (D2 L3), beating Rotherham United in 2016-17.
Wigan have lost their last five away Championship matches in the month of August since a 4-0 win at Barnsley in August 2013.
Aston Villa haven't won their opening two league matches in a season since 1999-2000 when they did so in the Premier League under manager John Gregory.
Wigan midfielder Nick Powell has been involved in eight goals in his last nine starts for the Latics (4 goals, 4 assists) - he scored and assisted on the opening day against Sheffield Wednesday.
Aston Villa got a cracking opening win as they came from behind to beat Hull on Monday night, which would have done a huge amount for the level of optimism around Villa Park.
Wigan got a fantastic win as well on their return to the Sky Bet Championship against Sheffield Wednesday but this is a tough trip for them. They'll have their tails up, though, and I think this could be an entertaining draw.
David Prutton predicts: 2-2 (14/1 with Sky Bet)
