Premier League preview: Wigan v Everton

Wigan need to overcome one of the form teams of the English Premier League – Everton – on Saturday if they are to escape the drop zone.

Roberto Martinez’s side fell in to the bottom three courtesy of their 4-2 drubbing at the hands of Sunderland on Saturday.

They now come up against Everton, who until their loss to Manchester United on Saturday had a seven-game unbeaten streak in the league – five of which they won.

It has been a stunning return to form for David Moyes’ men, who were three points shy of the relegation zone in February.

They are now one point clear in seventh place and a possible Europa League spot, although Bolton are one point behind them and with a game in hand.

What is more startling about their recent form is that star striker Louis Saha has not appeared in the first team since March 19 and Australian attacker Tim Cahill has not scored for the Toffees since December, though that is partly due to his hiatus in January on national duty at the Asian Cup.

The stars of the Everton show have been their defence, allowing just one goal in their past 270 minutes.

It was took the might of United 83 minutes to eventually break down their stern back four, via the head of Javier Hernandez.

Wigan have had little trouble scoring themselves, having only been kept out by by the likes of Manchester City, Tottenham and Chelsea in their past six games.

But with one clean sheet in 17 league affairs, Martinez will be aware that winning games is tough when you are freely conceding.

The reverse fixture at Goodison Park this campaign ended in a 0-0 stalemate, but one senses a goal fest at the DW Stadium as both teams go in hunt for the full three points.

Saha, Mikel Arteta and Johnny Heitinga will all miss due to injury, while Wigan have no fresh injury concerns.