Wigan vs Manchester City preview

January 15, 2012
By: Frank Beresford

The final match of Gameweek 21 in English Premier League will see bottom-placed Wigan play host to leaders Manchester City.

The Latics enter this game from the bottom of the standings, after picking up just two points from last four Premier League games.

Following the good run of results that saw Roberto Martinez’s side beat West Brom and share spoils with Chelsea, Liverpool and Stoke, Wigan suffered a disappointing 4:1 defeat to Sunderland, so it’s now back to the basics.

As if that was not enough, the Latics somehow managed to squander a one-goal lead to lose their FA Cup tie against League Two side Swindon Town, and there are no doubts the hosts enter the match low on confidence.

However, having scored in every one of their last three games, Wigan to score looks a good bet, especially as the odds are 1.75 (3/4) at Stan James.

Albert Crusat is available after recovering from a back injury, but Mohamed Diame is away on international duty and Shaun Maloney still lacks some match fitness.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Al Habsi – Stam, Gohouri, Alcaraz, Figueroa – Watson, Jones – McCarthy, Gomez, Moses – Rodallega.

The fact that Manchester City have won just one of last five games should have everyone at the club worried, although the good news is that they can still stay ahead of their title rivals with a win over Wigan.

The Citizens were eliminated from the FA Cup by Manchester United and are very close to being knocked out of the Carling Cup as well, after losing the semi-final first leg at home to Liverpool.

Nevertheless, Premiership title race remains the priority for Roberto Mancini’s side, which is why the Citizens will be very motivated to win this game.

Considering that Wigan are completely out of form, odds of 1.44 (4/9) offered by BetVictor (Victor Chandler) on away win look too good to pass.

Vincent Kompany serves the second game of a four-match ban, whereas Yaya and Kolo Toure are away on international duty.

Mario Balotelli is doubtful with an ankle injury, whereas David Silva should return after recovering from the same problem.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Hart – Richards, Savic, Lescott, Kolarov – De Jong, Barry – Nasri, Aguero, Silva – Dzeko.

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