Premier League Preview: Wigan vs Man City
Venue: JJB Stadium
Date: Sunday, 28 September
Kick-off: 16:00 BST
Wigan Athletic are undefeated in five league and cup games (three wins, two draws) and conceded just two goals in the process. They drawn the last two Premier League matches; home to Sunderland and away to Tottenham. The 0-5 away win over Hull is their only Premier League maximum this season.
Wigan conceded more goals in the first 15 minutes of Premier League matches this season than any other club (four). Wigan is also the best performing club in the second-half of Premier League matches; leading in three, drawing in two, five goals scored, none conceded.
Manchester City won three of the last four Premier League matches, scoring a total of 12 goals in the three victories. They are on the longest current sequence of 19 Premier League games without a score draw; 1-1, away to Derby on 30 January being the most recent.
City recorded their biggest margin of victory in nearly 40 years with last Sunday’s crushing 6-0 triumph over Portsmouth at Eastlands. It was the biggest home win of this Premier League season; Wigan’s 0-5 victory at Hull on 30 August is the biggest away win.
HEAD TO HEAD
The Latics have won more matches (four) against Manchester City than against any other club in the Premier League. They have gained more points (14), and scored more goals (11) than against any other team.
TEAM NEWS
Wigan manager Steve Bruce has no new injury worries for Sunday’s match at the JJB Stadium.
Ryan Taylor is back in contention following a shin problem, while full-back Erik Edman is nearing a return from a long-term knee injury.
Manchester City are set to welcome back Robinho, who was rested for the Carling Cup match against Brighton.
Micah Richards, Shaun-Wright Phillips, Elano and goalkeeper Joe Hart are also likely to reclaim their places.
SQUADS
Wigan: Kirkland, Melchiot, Boyce, Bramble, Figueroa, Valencia, Cattermole, Palacios, Kilbane, Heskey, Zaki, Brown, Camara, De Ridder, Kapo, Koumas, Kupisz, Scharner, Taylor, Pollitt, Kingson.
Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Richards, Dunne, Ben Haim, Garrido, Ball, Elano, Kompany, Johnson, Ireland, Hamann, Fernandes, Wright-Phillips, Robinho, Jo, Schmeichel, Evans, Sturridge.
QUOTES
“I hope we can go and get a big scalp like Man City now to kickstart us and it’ll be good to continue our record against them.” (Wigan manager Steve Bruce)
“Wigan are a big, strong powerful side, who will upset a lot of teams. We do not want that to happen to us.” (Manchester City boss Mark Hughes)
LAST SEASON’S CORRESPONDING GAME
Wigan Athletic 1-1 Manchester City
1 December 2007 - Ref: Mike Riley
Wigan scorer: Scharner 25
Man City scorer: Geovanni 1
Sent Off: Melchiot (Wigan) 88
PREDICTION
I expect a spectacular match which could end in a high scoring draw.
Possible correct scores: 2-2 or 3-3.