Wigan v Liverpool preview

Reds looking to stay unbeaten against Latics

Last updated: 8th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Wigan v Liverpool preview

Benayoun: Scored in last two visits to Wigan

PREDICTIONS:

Skysports.com prediction: 0-1

SKY BET odds: Wigan 5/1, Draw 5/2, Liverpool 8/13

One to Watch: Yossi Benayoun

Bet on the match

Related links

Teams

Also see

Liverpool will be looking to return to fourth spot in the Premier League table by beating Wigan on Monday night.

The Reds are currently a point behind Tottenham and Manchester City, although they would need all three points to usurp Spurs into the final UEFA Champions League qualification spot.

Liverpool have an impressive Premier League record over Wigan having won nine and drawn twice from their 11 top-flight meetings, something the Latics will be keen to rectify at the DW Stadium.

Roberto Martinez's men, who concede on average nearly two goals a game, are just one point above the drop zone and desperate to boost their relegation fight against Rafa Benitez's side.

Goals could be hard to come by with Wigan failing to score in three of their last four home matches while the Reds have not scored in five of their last seven games on the road.

Latics news

Wigan boss Martinez will give late fitness tests to Charles N'Zogbia (knee) and Paul Scharner (groin) ahead of the big kick-off.

Should the duo be fit to face high-flying Liverpool then the Spanish tactician will have a near fully-fit squad to choose from for the Monday night clash.

Ivory Coast defender Steven Gohouri is the only major doubt as he continues his recovery from a back problem.

Marcelo Moreno could be restored and play alongside Hugo Rodallega in attack, although the likes of Scott Sinclair and Jason Scotland are alternative options.

Reds news

Former Portsmouth and Chelsea defender Glen Johnson is set for his comeback against Wigan.

The England full-back has been sidelined with a knee problem since the end of December but is on the verge of a recall.

Daniel Agger's knee injury sustained against Blackburn last weekend is unlikely to keep him out while fellow centre-back Sotirios Kyrgiakos returns after his ban for his red card against Everton.

Yossi Benayoun should keep his place ahead of winger Ryan Babel having scored Liverpool's only goals in their last two league visits to Wigan.

Dutch ace Dirk Kuyt could be the one to watch due to his impressive record against Wigan having scored five goals in five league starts against the Latics.

Possible starting XIs

Wigan: Kirkland, Caldwell, Scharner, Melchiot, Figueroa, N'Zogbia, Diame, McCarthy, Thomas, Rodallega, Moreno.

Liverpool: Reina, Carragher, Agger, Insua, Rodriguez, Benayoun, Gerrard, Mascherano, Lucas, Torres, Kuyt.

SkyBet
Click here for more betting