Defender Philippe Senderos will be hoping to make his Everton debut as David Moyes’s side bid to extend their unbeaten run to nine league games at Wigan. The visitors have lifted themselves clear of the relegation zone in recent weeks and the Latics will hoping to do the same over the next month, although boss Roberto Martinez will again be without the services of goalkeeper Chris Kirkland through injury.

Quick Check

Wigan Athletic

  • Captain Mario Melchiot is expected to feature again despite a broken nose.
  • Roberto Martinez’s team remain unbeaten in all six matches when Hugo Rodallega has scored.
  • Charles N’Zogbia has scored four goals in his last seven games.
  • Keeper Chris Kirkland will be out for up to three months with a damaged collarbone.
  • Wigan have kept just one clean sheet in their last nine league games.
  • The Latics lost 2-1 at Everton when the sides met at Goodison Park in August.
  • Martinez’s side have taken just nine points from their last ten Premier League fixtures.

Everton

  • Steven Pienaar has scored two goals in his last three games.
  • On-loan Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos is hoping to make his debut.
  • Midfielders Jack Rodwell and Dan Gosling are back in training after injuries.
  • The Toffees are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League matches.
  • Everton have won five of their last six matches with Wigan.
  • David Moyes’s side has failed to score against the Latics in only one of their last eight games.
  • Joseph Yobo and Yakubu are on international duty at the African Cup of Nations with Nigeria.
  • Phil Jagielka remains sidelined by long-term knee problems.

Expert Advice

While some fans were beginning to fear a relegation fight could be on the cards, David Moyes refused to press the panic button and he has been rewarded for his patience by Everton’s impressive run of results since last month. The return of key players from injury and the injection of some new talent has transformed the Toffees into one of the league’s form sides and the mystery on Wednesday night was how they only managed to beat Sunderland 2-0. The visitors’ attack looks sure to be a handful for a Wigan side who continue to struggle for consistency while they have a poor recent record against Everton. The Latics do have home advantage but that may not be enough and Betsson’s odds of 3.95 for an away win by one goal looks a value bet.

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