Wigan v Bristol Rovers: strength in depth

Gaffney – more games for the Gas? bristolroverssc.co.uk

Things have gone according to plan for Wigan Athletic: a convincing 3-0 win away to promotion rivals Charlton Athletic means they have taken 13 points from their first six games. A repeat of that over a whole season would see them land 100 points, 13 more than Gary Caldwell’s title-winning side.

Talk of dominance might seem a tad premature, given that the Latics sit sixth having played one fewer game than many of their fellow pace-setters. Equally though, they have great strength in depth because had the first half at Charlton not gone to plan, Cook had a plethora of game-changing options on the bench:

Will Grigg has scored 19+ goals in three of his last four seasons at this level and fellow striker Ivan Toney provides great athleticism. Midfielders Max Power and David Perkins were key to Wigan’s promotion in 15/16. Callum Elder would be in the Championship by now were it not for injuries while Gary Roberts has long been one of the best technicians outside the Championship.

Five of those six outfield players have not started more than once in the league this season, but each of them would arguably get into Bristol Rovers’ starting eleven. Right now, the Gas are in need of a holding midfielder, the club not adding a natural in that position being a major factor behind their poor defensive record.

Chris Lines and Ollie Clarke has been the most regular central pairing. Lines can pick a pass and Clarke has plenty of energy but neither of them are particularly strong in the tackle. Tom Lockyer and Ryan Sweeney haven’t started this season in as good form as they finished the last campaign, perhaps suffering from a lack of serious competition.

The one man who has stayed true to form has been Billy Bodin, who has scored four goals in seven league starts, many being impressive strikes. It may not be a complete coincidence that four of those goals have come when Rory Gaffney has been on the pitch. The forward has been voted MOTM by Gaschat three times this season, impressing with his selfless movement and work rate.

It could be difficult though for Bodin and Gaffney if he earns himself a start, to get past Dan Burn and Alex Bruce, who stood strong in South London on Tuesday.

It’s early days but given their quality in reserve, Paul Cook’s squad looks a force to be reckoned with.

The Football Lab’s Verdict: 3-1