Prediction: Wolverhampton vs Wigan

25th December 2010

The classic relegation six-pointer will see revived Wolverhampton play host to struggling Wigan in what should be a very close game. Both sides had their weekend’s games postponed due to heavy snow, meaning they had more than enough time to prepare for this all important clash.

Having managed to escape relegation last term, Wolverhampton are looking to do it all over again with a view to establishing themselves as a stable Premiership side. The first signs are positive even if Mick McCarthy’s side are still in the relegation zone, as it seems Wolves have closed the gap behind the top table teams. Wolverhampton remain the worst travelers in the Premiership, having lost all but one away game this season, but it is their home record that keeps them within a touching distance of safety. Wolves win four of the nine home games this season, and they now aim to record the third successive victory at Molineux after beating Sunderland and Birmingham in last two games. The team are obviously full of confidence after beating local rivals Birmingham and I wouldn’t be surprised if they extend the winning run against out-of-form Wigan. Mick McCarthy faces some selection problems with Kightly, Guedioura, Doyle, Henry and Mouyokolo sidelined with injuries, but Jarvis, Berra and Jones should be fit to play.

Wigan are in similar situation as Wolves, although the Latics seem to be in much bigger problems than their next opponents. Boss Roberto Martinez has had to deal with numerous injuries and suspensions from the very start to the season and that could be one of the reasons for disappointing performances. The Latics managed to recover from two heavy defeats at the start of the league campaign, but then suffered another dip in form that saw them pick up just two points from last five games, and they were outplayed even in those two. Therefore, this game certainly comes at a bad time for Wigan, especially as the visitors will be without two important players. Maynor Figueroa and Thomas Hendry miss out through suspension, but good news is Tom Cleverley has returned to contention. To add insult to injury, the Latics have picked up just one point from last six away games, so they don’t have much reason for optimism.

Conclusion

Wolverhampton showed a lot of improvement lately and after beating sides like Sunderland and Birmingham at Molineux, they are expected to do the same against poor Wigan. The Latics, on the other hand, largely struggle away from home and I don’t think they can get something from this match.

Verdict: Home win Wolverhampton (1)

Best Odds: 23/20

Bookmaker: William Hill