Both sides are desperately in need of a victory and are set to give an immediate debut to their new signings in a bid to boost their flagging fortunes. Sunderland, without a win in ten league games, are set to give first starts to defender Alan Hutton and striker Benjani while Wigan are likely to feature teenager Victor Moses and Bolivian Marcelo Moreno in attack as they try to bounce back from their humiliating FA Cup defeat to League Two side Notts County in midweek.
Quick Check
Sunderland
- Defender Alan Hutton is set to make his debut after signing on loan from Tottenham.
- Striker Benjani should also feature after joining on loan from Manchester City.
- Phil Bardsley is hoping to start after returning to full fitness.
- Home teams have won five of the last six meetings between the two teams.
- Defender John Mensah is doubtful with a persistent hamstring problem.
- Boss Steve Bruce will face his former side after quitting Wigan for the Stadium of Light last summer.
- The Black Cats have not won for ten league games.
- Anton Ferdinand is still sidelined by ankle trouble.
- The Black Cats’ clean sheet against Stoke on Monday was their first in 14 league matches.
- Sunderland have beaten Wigan just once in their last 13 meetings.
Wigan Athletic
- Victor Moses is poised to make his debut after deadline-day move from Crystal Palace.
- Striker Marcelo Moreno could also feature after joining on loan this week.
- Captain Mario Melchiot is hoping to return from a neck problem.
- Roberto Martinez’s team remain unbeaten in all six matches when Hugo Rodallega has scored.
- Keeper Chris Kirkland is out for another week with a damaged collarbone.
- Wigan have won only one of their last eight matches in the Premier League.
- Martinez’s side have taken just nine points from their last 11 Premier League fixtures.
- Wigan have kept just one clean sheet in their last ten league games.
- The Latics were beaten at home 2-0 by League Two side Notts County in midweek.
Expert Advice
A first glance at the table may well give the impression that both sides are comfortably outside the drop zone but both managers will know this is far from the truth and will be desperate for all three points to ease any relegation fears. Sunderland’s fall down the table has been particularly alarming but Steve Bruce will be hoping that Alan Hutton’s arrival can help plug his leaky defence while his striker rediscover their touch in front of goal. Wigan remain one of the enigmas of the season but they have shown worrying signs of frailty in recent weeks and the FA Cup defeat in midweek will not have helped. There promises to be another fierce atmosphere at the Stadium of Light as Bruce faces his former side for the second time this season but home advantage could be crucial, so Betsson’s odds of 3.8 for a Black Cats win by one goal looks a value bet.
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