Liverpool

Wigan vs Liverpool: Match Preview, Injury News & Predicted Line-ups

Liverpool will face a stiff test when they travel to the D.W Stadium to face Wigan Athletic tonight. Here’s a mach preview with predicted line-ups for both teams

by
Fernando
December 21, 2011

The Reds will head into this fixture following their dominating 2-0 victory over a mediocre Aston Villa side courtesy of goals from the in-form Craig Bellamy and Martin Skrtel.

It’s been a good week so far for Liverpool, despite the fact that Kenny Dalglish’s star striker Luis Suarez is still struggling to find the back of the net in the Premier League (5 goals in 16 matches). The Uruguayan international was undeniably unfortunate throughout the whole game against Villa as he came extremely close to scoring on two separate occasions – in which he was denied by the bar both times, so it’s only a matter of time before the ball finds the right side of the bar/post.

Wigan Athletic Team News

It will undoubtedly be a crucial game for the Latics, with them laying uncomfortably in the relegation zone after a poor start to the season with only 13 points from 16 games played. Roberto Martinez’s men will be desperate to walk away from their home stadium with all 3 much-needed points after Saturday’s impressive 1-1 draw with Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Wigan target man Hugo Rodallega is currently his side’s biggest fitness concern. The Colombian international will be slightly doubtful in the team’s clash with Liverpool after picking up a knock on Saturday. Ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland will miss the chance to face his former club after being outclassed by teammate Ali Al Habsi for a place in the starting lineup.

Liverpool Team News

Skipper Steven Gerrard and Lucas Leiva are among the big names being sidelined for the game while Jay Spearing will still be ineligible as he serves the final game of his suspension after being shown a controversial red card during Liverpool’s 1-0 defeat to Fulham.

Welsh international Craig Bellamy should retain his place in the starting lineup after a superb performance midweek against Aston Villa, while the likes of Maxi Rodriguez and Andy Carroll expected to be second-half substitutes. Jonjo Shelvey is also pushing for another start after an impressive debut last time out.

The real dilemma for Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish will be whether to field Dirk Kuyt or Stewart Downing down the right flank. Downing was seen to be instrumental during Liverpool’s win over Aston Villa whilst the ever-hardworking Dirk Kuyt has had a rather dull season so far this term. It’ll be interesting to see who makes it into the starting 11.