Wigan vs Manchester United preview

December 30, 2012
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Wigan defeated Manchester United in the same fixture last season, and after ending their three-match losing run with an impressive triumph at Villa Park, the Latics will be well prepared to try and create another surprise.

Under-strength Red Devils eased off to a 2-0 win over West Brom at the weekend, but they could now face a very difficult task against improving Wigan.

After showing a great deal of potential during the season finale last term, the Latics were tipped to escape the relegation struggle this season, but they haven’t quite managed to do so.

Nonetheless, even when Roberto Martinez’s side were deep in the bottom three, nobody really doubted they would turn this season around, and that is exactly what they are doing at the moment.

Wigan ended their three-match losing run in style, beating relegation rivals Aston Villa 3-0 away from home, and that triumph could be just the boost they need to start climbing the Premier League standings.

This may be a long shot, but bear in mind the Latics are 7.00 (6/1) with Ladbrokes to beat United for the second time in a row at DW Stadium.

On the other hand, Wigan are 1.40 (2/5) with William Hill to avoid relegation to the Championship this season.

Roberto Martinez has no fresh injury worries, but Ben Watson, Ryo Miyaichi, Albert Crusat and Adrian Lopez ‘Piscu’ remain sidelined.

Probable starting line-up (3-4-2-1): Al Habsi – Ramis, Caldwell, Figueroa – Boyce, McCarthy, McArthur, Beausejour – Kone, Maloney – Di Santo.

Manchester United will enter the New Year with a seven-point cushion at the Premiership summit after seeing off West Brom at Old Trafford, but their first game in 2013 will be no walk in the park.

Realizing that, Sir Alex Ferguson shrewdly opted to rest several key players at the weekend, although Robin van Persie did come on to kill off the game in injury time.

Despite losing at DW Stadium last time out, the Red Devils are 1.53 (8/15) at Stan James to make things right this time.

They are also 2.62 (13/8) at Coral to score three goals or more, which is a decent market when we know United have scores at least three goals in three of their last five fixtures.

Javier Hernandez, Robin van Persie and Rio Ferdinand should all return, while Rafael is also back after recovering from injury. Phil Jones faces a fitness test and Wayne Rooney is injured.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): De Gea – Rafael, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra – Valencia, Scholes, Carrick, Giggs – Van Persie, Hernandez.

We Highly Recommend These Places
Share your Opinion!