Wigan vs Man Utd Preview, Team News, Likley Line-ups & Predicted Score

Man Utd will look to start 2013 in positive fashion when they play Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium on New Years Day.

The Red Devils beat West Brom 2-0 on Saturday – their seventh victory in eight games – and go in to the game holding a seven-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City and they will look to at least maintain that gap on Tuesday.

Wigan on the other hand are desperate for points at the wrong end of the table with Roberto Martinez’ men currently sitting in 16th position. The Latics ended a run of three straight defeats with an impressive 3-0 win over Aston Villa at the weekend so will go into the game with United full of confidence they can pull off an upset.

Team News

Wigan are likely to once again be without Antolin Alcaraz as he continues to recover from a groin injury and the defender is joined by Antonio Lopez, Ryo Miyaichi and Albert Crusat on the sidelines.

However, Ivan Ramis and Franco Di Santo are both expected to keep their place in the team after making successful returns against Villa.

United are expected to welcome back Rafael after the Brazilian recovered from a hamstring injury that’s kept him out on action for the last four games. Phil Jones is also pushing for a recall while Michael Carrick may get a well-earned rest with Paul Scholes coming back in.

Shinji Kagawa is likely to get a rest after making his long-awaited comeback from injury at the weekend and striker Robin van Persie will return to the starting eleven after being rested against WBA.

Likley line-ups

Predicted Score

Wigan will be hoping they can repeat last years success after beating United 1-0 in this fixture last season. However, they have managed to score just 5 goals in 15 games against the Manchester giants and that win last campaign was the first over United in the clubs history, so Fergie’s side will be odds-on favourites for the game. We can see United edging this one. Wigan 0-2 Man Utd.

What would your starting eleven be and what’s your score prediction? Get involved in the comments section below.