Premier League preview: Wigan v Swansea

Wigan welcome Swansea City to DW Stadium on Saturday as their English Premier League relegation battle continues.

Roberto Martinez’s men are anchored to the bottom of the table, but have maintained touch with safety after a run of three league matches without defeat.

A win at home to promoted Swansea would see them out of the bottom three, while Brendan Rodgers’ 14th-placed side will also be keen to move further clear of the drop zone.

The Spaniard, who was forced to defend the state of the DW Stadium pitch after Aston Villa striker Darren Bent’s injury during the 0-0 draw between the teams, wants his team to improve on their record of just one win from 13 home league matches.

But Rodgers warned it was also a huge encounter for his side, who have lost two straight league games and are nine points clear of Blackburn Rovers.

“There are only 12 games left now and I’m sure Wigan will have a big motivation,” Rodgers said.

“It’s massive for them, but it’s massive for us as well. Every game is a big one for us from now on, even though we are 10 points clear of Wigan at the moment.”

“When you play a rival who is down there, you want to keep that distance between you in terms of points. Whichever way you look at it, Saturday is a big game.”

Wigan have scored a league-worst 23 goals this season, and have struggled to keep teams out despite the strong form of goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi.

The Omani shot-stopper has produced several excellent performances to keep Wigan in games this campaign, while he has also saved five of the last 10 penalties he has faced in the Premier League.

Swansea’s Michel Vorm has been just as good, keeping nine clean sheets, and could return from a virus for the trip to Wigan.

While the Dutchman has starred at one end of the park, it has been Danny Graham (10 league goals) and Scott Sinclair (seven) impressing up front.

Rodgers is almost certain to welcome back Vorm, but Kemy Agustien, Andrea Orlandi and Ferrie Bodde are likely to be sidelined through injury.

Wigan have a full squad available as they look to improve their poor home record.