Improved Wigan Welcome Reds

Martinez looks as though he'll be keeping Wigan safe again...
Image: telegraph.co.uk
After a short break the Reds are back in business on Saturday against Wigan at the DW. The last time Liverpool were playing in the league they emphatically put 5 past Swansea but with a gap in their momentum can they pull off a similar performance against Wigan away?

Liverpool's only real injury worry for this clash is with Daniel Sturridge who will be subject to a late fitness test. Fabio Borini and Martin Kelly are also still out long term. For Wigan they have no new injury worries but Ryo Miyaichi is still out.

The last time the two sides met in the league was in November last year. Liverpool kept a clean sheet in that game and put 3 past Wigan with Luis Suarez scoring twice and Jose Enrique also finding the back of the net. The last time Liverpool were at Wigan though they were unable to find a goal and the gamed ended in a 0-0 draw. Wigan on the whole have been quite resilient at home against the Reds recently. The last meeting before the 0-0 saw Wigan collect and 1-1 draw and the time before that the Latics won 1-0.

Wigan have only lost 1 of their last 6 games in all competitions and that was at the hands of Rafael Benitez's Chelsea. Liverpool have lost 2 of their last 6 in all comps. Wigan have scored 2 or more goals in 4 of their last 6, something Liverpool can match them on.

Stat Sandwich

  • Luis Suarez so far this season has had 100 shots, only matched by Ronaldo and Messi.
  • Wigan have only had one English player on the score sheet this season - Watson.
  • 6 out of the last 7 meetings between the two sides have seen less than 2.5 goals.

I personally feel that Liverpool have got this game covered. Wigan have been on good form lately and once again they appear to be pulling themselves out of contention for relegation but I feel Liverpool's recent performances will stand them in good stead even away from home.

It would help a lot if Daniel Sturridge did make the start but I get the feeling Luis Suarez will stamp his name on the score sheet for this one however I do feel Wigan will also find the back of the net. If I was going to pop a quid on this game I'd go for 2-1.

Enjoy the match folks!