Prediction: Wigan vs Fulham

14th January 2011

Wigan were lucky to earn a draw at Bolton last weekend but they, nonetheless, remained in the bottom three, meaning the Latics have got to try and win this game. Fulham are finally showing signs of improvement and they are looking for points that would see them leave the danger zone.

Wigan are in all sorts of problems at the moment as they cannot seem to escape the bottom three, with Roberto Martinez still struggling to get the best out of this team. The Latics are just one point adrift of safety, but their latest performances don’t give them a lot of reason for optimism before the clash with Fulham. In all fairness to Roberto Martinez, the Latics have had their share of injuries and suspensions this season and that is one of the reasons for the disappointing showings, but the other one is definitely the lack of quality in the side. Wigan were lucky to pick up one point from the Reebok stadium last weekend, but they had been extremely disappointing in their last home game against Newcastle, when they should have suffered a heavy defeat and I just can’t see the hosts as favourites in this one. Cleverly, Di Santo, McCarthy and Moses continue to miss out, while keeper Kirkland is an injury doubt.

Fulham went through a very difficult first part of the season as Mark Hughes was slowly making his mark on the team that had been brilliantly led by Roy Hodgson for a couple of years. The Cottagers did record some pretty disappointing results but there was never a doubt in my mind that they wouldn’t turn it around, given the quality the squad possess. That seems to have finally happened few weeks ago as Mark Hughes’ side defeated Stoke at the Britannia Stadium, after which they suffered a narrow defeat to Tottenham before beating West Brom and Peterborough at home. The players have finally restored the lost confidence and that is more than evident in their showings, so I really think they can surprise Wigan and bring all three points from the DW Stadium. New signing Steve Sidwell could be handed a debut, whereas striker Andy Johnson and Moussa Dembele are both in contention after recovering from injury.

Conclusion

Wigan are going through a very rough patch at the moment and seeing they are also without several first team regulars, I don’t think the Latics can get something from this game. Fulham have shown a massive improvement lately and they look more than capable of winning this clash.

Verdict: Away win Fulham (2)

Best Odds: 15/8

Bookmaker: Paddy Power