Prediction: Wigan vs Manchester City

16th January 2012

Manchester City aim to restore the lead over their title rivals at the expense of bottom-placed Wigan, but the Citizens could be in for a difficult task at DW Stadium. The Latics may be struggling at the moment, but let’s not forget they managed to avoid defeat in the last two home games against the title contenders.

Having spent their last few Premiership campaigns fighting for their lives, Wigan are certainly used to being in the relegation zone by now. The Latics were hoping this would be the season when they finally manage to avoid the survival battle, but numerous injuries at the start to the season acted as a real blow to their Premier League ambitions. Roberto Martinez’s side showed some promise at the end of 2011, with away wins over Sunderland and West Brom, as well as home draws against Chelsea and Liverpool serving as a big confidence boost, but it wasn’t long before the Latics returned to the bottom three. The team are now very low on confidence after taking just one point from last three league games, whereas the FA Cup defeat to League Two side Swindon only added fuel to fire. Winger Albert Crusat is back on contention after recovering from a back problem, but Shaun Maloney still lacks some match fitness and Momo Diame is away on international duty.

Following the amazing start to the season, Manchester City recently started struggling on all fronts and the Citizens are now battling to save this season. Numerous injuries, suspensions and players away on international duty clearly destabilized Roberto Mancini’s squad, but the run of one victory in last five games is, nevertheless, disappointing. The good thing is that two of the three defeats in that period were suffered in Cup competitions, although the bad news is that City are out of the FA Cup and on the verge of Carling Cup elimination. Back to back defeats to Manchester United and Liverpool are going to be forgotten if the Citizens beat Wigan and restore their three-point lead at the Premiership summit, so there are no doubts the visitors will take this game very seriously. The return of David Silva from an ankle injury is great news for boss Roberto Mancini, but Mario Balotelli remains doubtful with a same problem. Vincent Kompany serves his second match of a four-game ban, whereas the Toure brothers are away on international duty.

Conclusion

Wigan are clearly going through a rough patch at the moment, but that is unlikely to prevent them from making life difficult for the visitors. Manchester City have too much quality not to win at JJB, but I cannot see them winning by more than one goal.

Verdict: Man City to win by one goal

Best Odds: 11/4

Bookmaker: BetVictor