Saturday, March 02, 2013

Match Preview: Wigan vs Liverpool

Wigan welcomes Liverpool to the DW Stadium aiming to build on their impressive win at Reading last time out.

Wigan moved out of the drop zone with victory at Reading last weekend and they will be hoping to maintain their recent good home record against Liverpool.

The Latics have lost only one of their last six Premier League games against Liverpool after losing seven of the opening nine against the Reds.

Liverpool will come into the game fresh, with their last match coming in the Europa League on February 21st.

Despite crashing out of Europe, Rodgers is demanding Liverpool end the season strongly as they look to finish in the top six and therefore qualify for next term.

Liverpool has drawn their last two Premier League games on their travels and no team has drawn more games away from home than the Merseysiders this season.

Wigan defender Antolin Alcaraz could be back in contention to start against Liverpool after returning from his lengthy lay-off.

The Paraguay international played for the last seven minutes of last week's win at Reading after a six-month lay-off with a groin injury.

Fellow defender Emmerson Boyce also came through his comeback from hamstring trouble unscathed and winger Ryo Miyaichi (ankle) is close to returning after three months out.

Liverpool are waiting on the fitness of striker Daniel Sturridge ahead of the trip to Wigan.

Sturridge is struggling with a knock and Reds boss Brendan Rodgers will make a late decision on his fitness.

Long-term absentees Fabio Borini and Martin Kelly remain sidelined with shoulder and knee injuries respectively.

Philippe Coutinho is set to return to the side after being cup-tied against Zenit St Petersburg last time out.

No comments: