Venue: Stamford Bridge; Date: Saturday 7th April 2012; Kick-off time:15:00Chelsea host Wigan Athletic this Saturday in a game that will further shape each clubs independent futures. Chelsea are five points behind Tottenham Hotspur who guard the elusive fourth place spot which ensures Champions League qualification.
A result for the visitors would make their chances of Premier League survival more likely as they look to climb out of 19th position. The Latics are stuck in a five club relegation battle in which goal difference separates three clubs. Each weekend a series of results lead to different teams jumping to safety or falling into insecurity once again. This makes the scenario seemingly impossible to interpret and with seven games still remaining, anything is possible.
The return fixture this season took place in December, a Petr Cech howler allowed Jordi Gomez to secure a 1-1 draw in the dying moments of the match. Since then both teams have had their fair share of ups and down, albeit bad results or managerial changers. Chelsea are an enlightened team under Roberto Di Matteo's managerial reign so circumstances have changed since the teams last met.
Recent form suggests that there isn't too much to choose between the two teams. Chelsea's last five Premier League fixtures have seen them take seven points from an available fifteen whereas Wigan have taken eight points, most recently notching back to back victories.
Wigan have been quiet on the goal when on their travels, they've scored only 15 goals whilst conceding double that amount. Roberto Martinez's men have the 2nd worst goal difference in the league so these facts all hint to home team goals.
Chelsea Team News: Roberto Di Matteo could have a fully fit squad to choose from this weekend. This would be useful to Di Matteo as it would enable him to rotate his starting line-up if certain players are feeling the strain of playing in three major tournaments.
Club captain John Terry may be doubtful for the weekend as he was substituted in the 3-1 midweek win over SL Benfica. Di Matteo confirmed that Terry received a blow to the ribs after the game and will be assessed over the next few days.
Wigan Athletic Team News: Roberto Martinez has an almost fully fit squad to select his starting eleven from as there are only two possible absentees for the visitors.
Striker Hugo Rodallega faces a late fitness test on a knee injury whilst Mohamed Diame also struggles to shake off a pelvic injury.