Saturday, November 17, 2012

Match Preview: Liverpool vs Wigan

Liverpool will be focused on stretching their six-game unbeaten streak to climb the Premier League table when they host Wigan at Anfield.

The Reds have not lost in the league since their defeat to Manchester United on September 23rd but four of their six matches since then have ended in draws.

Brendan Rodgers' side return after the international break, which saw talismanic captain Steven Gerrard earn his 100th cap for England, knowing they have to start picking up wins if they want to put their woeful start to the season behind them.

The Merseysiders currently sit 13th in the standings - a place and a point ahead of their visitors the Latics ahead of Saturday's clash.

They will be heartened by their 1-1 draw at Chelsea last weekend, when a second-half equalizer from the in-form Luis Suarez snatched an important share of a spoils.

Rodgers' men will be looking to build on that result with a much-needed home win, which would mark only their second league triumph at Anfield this season, having beaten Reading last month.

Wigan, meanwhile, suffered a 2-1 defeat at West Brom last weekend to halt a run of back-to-back successes.

The Latics will be hoping to recover from that setback on Merseyside to leapfrog their hosts in the standings.

Manager Roberto Martinez saw his side make history at Anfield last year, when Gary Caldwell's strike sealed Wigan's first-ever win there.

The Spanish boss was linked with the Liverpool manager's job before Rodgers took over in the summer and after committing to the Latics he will be keen to pull off another upset.

Goalkeeper Jose Reina is set to return for the visit of Wigan after a five-week injury absence.

The Spain international has recovered from a hamstring injury and is likely to replace Brad Jones, who has deputized in the last four league matches.

Midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is fit after a thigh problem forced him out of the England squad this week while centre-backs Daniel Agger (groin) and Martin Skrtel (illness) are expected to be included.

Wigan have winger Ryo Miyaichi back available for the trip to Merseyside.

Miyaichi, on loan from Arsenal, has not been involved in the last five games due to a pubic injury but is now training with the group again.

James McArthur, who has been sidelined recently by a dead leg, is a doubt, while fellow midfielder Albert Crusat (knee) and defender Antolin Alcaraz (groin) are not yet ready to return.

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