It’s over a year since Liverpool paid a visit to the DW, a cold night with plenty of action yet no goals to show for it. This was the same evening where all of Dalglish’s men wore shirts in support of Luis Suarez in the warm up – but let’s not open that particular can of worms. Since then, both sides have improved their goal scoring, something they struggled with in the early months.
Wigan are likely to start proceedings operating a 3-5-2 system with ‘Plan B’ of a standard flat back 4 change at half time also in the mix. The home side will try to dominate early on with the crowd behind them but often the side need to concede before speeding up the tempo and increasing movement across midfield. I don’t think the two similar styles of play will spoil what looks to be a very good game of football live on ESPN.
Last time out both sides won against Reading (3-0) and Zenit St Petersburg (3-1) respectively. Liverpool were knocked out of Europe by the away goal rule though the second leg performance was outstanding, well deserving of going through. Wigan’s comfortable away triumph at the Madejski Stadium came as a shock even to the most optimistic of supporters.
This week Brendan Rodgers told the club’s website that Raheem Sterling has “lost his zip”. He still needs to improve before a first team place should be awarded back to the youngster on a permanent basis. Starting off in the Premier League, the ‘buzz’ Sterling got from playing and this unpredictable factor he had were a big part in why he was so lively early on. Next season (his second full campaign) we will find out just how good the Jamaican born winger will be…. and I don’t think we’ll be disappointed.
Key Battles
McCarthy vs Gerrard – Always an interesting one between the pair and certainly one that hasn’t gone the way you would expect on a couple of occasions. The former Hamilton midfielder rejected a move to the Merseyside club shortly before joining up with Roberto Martinez. Personally I still see potential for him to sign with Liverpool in the future as he is arguably Wigan’s best player and always improving in his ability.
Caldwell vs Sturridge/Suarez – The Scotsman can’t allow any slip-ups come Saturday as he’s becoming well-known for rash challenges. As we know, that’s something Suarez won’t hesitate to take advantage of if given the opportunity. The Latics defence need to stay tight and trust on support from both wingbacks if they are to stand a chance against SAS.
Stats
· Liverpool have only won 1 of their last 6 matches against the Latics.
· In 8 games away from Anfield, this fixture has mustered up 1.76 goals on average.
· Wigan Athletic last won at home in late November thanks to a Jordi Gomez hat trick.
· This fixture was won 3-0 at home earlier this campaign in favour of Liverpool.
· The Latics have only won once in 2013, they go out on Saturday hoping to make it consecutive wins.
Injury News
Antolin Alcaraz and Ryo Miyaichi are both available for the home side while Ben Watson is still on the sidelines after his injury in mid November.
Brad Jones, Fabio Borini and Martin Kelly are still on the sidelines for this weekend’s visitors.
Betting
Liverpool to be winning at half time and a draw at full-time is currently 18/1 with Coral. Wigan always start slow and pick it up in the second half of games, especially at home so this looks a good priced bet.
Prediction
Brendan Rodgers must love playing against Wigan because he hasn’t lost in any of his 3 league encounters, with an overall score of 5-0 to his teams. I’m going for that record to stay with ‘Wigan Athletic 1-2 Liverpool’.
