Paul Cook believes his Wigan Athletic side are about to come up against a ‘fantastic’ side when Leeds United come to town on Saturday afternoon, speaking to Wigan Today.
After a rather mixed start to the new Championship season, a brilliant 3-1 win at Bristol City preceding a frustrating draw with Nottingham Forest, Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds are on their way to Wigan.
The Latics were nothing short of dreadful during their 3-0 collapse against Preston North End last time out so, on paper, the Championship title favourites should be confident of a win.
Then again, Leeds would have expected three comfortable points when a relegation-threatened Wigan arrived at Elland Road in April too. But despite being reduced to ten men after just 14 minutes, the 2013 FA Cup winners pulled off a huge shock by winning 2-1 in West Yorkshire thanks to a Gavin Massey brace which sealed their survival.
And Cook will be praying that his team produces a performance of similar dedication and diligence tomorrow.
“It’ll be a tough game on Saturday,” said the former Portsmouth boss, who admitted that captain Sam Morsy could be fit to play for the first time this season.
“Leeds are a fantastic team, they travel very well with big support, and are probably favourites to win the league.
“We know it’s a difficult task ahead of us, but we’ve got a great record at home – and it’s one we’re looking to maintain at the weekend.”
Bielsa acknowledged on Thursday, speaking to Leeds Live, Leeds will have to get used to opening up teams who are going to pack their defence and look to spring counter attacks.
The Whites dominated possession and had 17 shots at goal against Forest without ever really testing goalkeeper Aro Muric last time out and they cannot afford to become overrelliant upon the genius of veteran playmaker Pablo Hernandez.
Wigan away is arguably a bigger test than a Bristol City who, while far more talented, took the game to Leeds and got caught.
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