Premier League preview: Wigan v Liverpool

After drawing 1-1 with Chelsea at the weekend, Wigan host Liverpool as Roberto Martinez tries to haul his side out of the relegation zone.

Wigan halted an eight-game losing streak with a 3-3 home draw against Blackburn Rovers a month ago.

Since then, they have lost only one of their past five matches, a 4-0 home reverse to Arsenal sandwiching 2-1 wins over Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion.

With no major injury worries, Martinez will be hoping to build on the point salvaged in the clash against Chelsea with a good showing at home on Wednesday night against sixth-placed Liverpool.

The Latics have just three wins to their name so far this season and have conceded 30 goals already – twice the number they have scored. Martinez’s men have not kept a clean sheet since September and will need to work hard to keep Craig Bellamy and Luis Suarez quiet.

After losing 1-0 to Fulham earlier this month, Liverpool have bounced back with two straight wins – a 2-0 away win last weekend against Aston Villa coming after a 1-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers.

Liverpool had defeated Chelsea 2-1 away and held Manchester City to a 1-1 draw before the loss to Fulham.

After losing Lucas Leiva for the season and with Steven Gerrard still short on fitness after being out with an ankle infection, Kenny Dalglish recalled Jongo Shelvey from Blackpool and started the 19-year-old in the victory over Aston Villa.

Shelvey, who scored six goals in 10 games for Blackpool before returning to Liverpool, looks likely to keep his place against Wigan alongside Charlie Adam.

Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel’s good form recently have kept Jamie Carragher out of the starting line-up despite the centre-back being back to fitness.

Suarez has been central to Liverpool’s success this season with five goals but the Uruguayan will need to be more prolific in front of goal.

Liverpool have scored 20 goals so far, 11 fewer than Arsenal who are level on points in fifth but lead the Reds on goal difference.

With goals in short supply, Liverpool could struggle to score if Wigan are resolute on defence.