The Opposition View: Wigan

Ahead of tomorrow's "must win" encounter with Wigan Athletic I asked Latics fan John Cumberbatch to answer some questions about his team and players with Pompey and Wigan connections.

Are you happy with how Wigan's season has started? What are your expectations for the rest of the campaign?

We've started OK. Beating Villa away from home on the opening day got everyone's expectations up. After that we lost at home to Wolves, which really is a game we would have expected to take something from. That defeat adjusted expectations a little - which was probably a good thing as some were starting to get ahead of themselves when thinking about what we may achieve this season after the way we had demolished Villa.

Roberto Martinez is highly regarded up in Wigan, isn't he? Were you happy with his appointment?

Absolutely. He was the only choice all along for me. I think it was inevitable that one day he would return to manage us, even if it was a little earlier than expected.

Can you explain how you can beat Chelsea one week and then lose to Hull the following week?

That's Wigan Athletic all over for you. We've been like that for as long as I can remember. It's one of those things you seem to have to accept as a Wigan fan.

I assume that you're not at all saddened to see Marlon King sacked by Dave Whelan after he was sentenced to jail?

I'm only saddened that his actions have dragged the clubs reputation through the mud. No matter who it was I'd have wanted them sacked. Whelan has done the right thing.

Who are the the players in your team to look out for this Saturday?

Hugo Rodallega, the Colombian is on fire at the moment, having been moved out on to the left side of a front three. I would also have said N'Zogbia, who has been on decent form in the last few games, but it looks like he'll be force to play left-back against yourselves as Figueroa is out for two months while Erik Edman looks like he'll miss the game after being concussed in a recent reserve game.

Are there any weaknesses in the side that Pompey may be able to exploit?

N'Zogbia playing out of position, although he did play left back for Newcastle for quite a while. We still don't score enough goals and struggle to take chances - against Hull away we had 70% posession yet still lost because we couldnt convert chances.

What did you make of Michael Brown during his time at Wigan? Arjan De Zeeuw is also highly thought of at Pompey, do the Wigan fans feel the same about him?

Brown was a solid player, nothing flashy but did a job for us when called upon.

De Zeeuw is a total legend in these parts, a leader both on and off the field. I wouldn't be surprised to see him back here in some capacity at one point or another.

Predict the score tomorrow.

Wigan will win 2-1