Premier League preview: Everton v Wigan Athletic

Everton and Wigan clash at Goodison Park on Saturday in what is shaping as a must-win clash for both teams after some recent indifferent form.

David Moyes’ Everton are without a win in their past six English Premier League games and after being tipped to challenge for a Champions League berth this season, they are languishing in 15th place with 17 points from their 16 games.

They had an 86th-minute equaliser from substitute Jermaine Beckford to thank for a 1-1 draw with reigning champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Roberto Martinez’s Wigan side are in an even worse predicament, with just one win from their past nine league games seeing them sit in the relegation zone with just 15 points.

Like Everton, Wigan had to come from behind to force a draw in their last game. In fact, they had to do it twice in their 2-2 draw with Stoke at DW Stadium on Saturday.

The news is brighter on the injury front for Moyes, with only long-term casualty Leon Osman sure to miss Saturday’s game.

But there may still be some concerns over defender Tony Hibbert, who missed the trip to Stamford Bridge with an ankle injury.

Star Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta is still out through suspension after his sending off in Everton’s 4-1 loss to West Brom last month.

Martinez also has the luxury of having almost a full squad at his disposal ahead of Saturday’s match.

Striker Victor Moses dislocated a shoulder in their Carling Cup quarter-final loss to Arsenal last month and is not expected to return until the new year.

Republic of Ireland winger James McCarthy will be also be out as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury.