One defeat in their last ten games has thrust Liverpool back into contention for a Champions League place and, with their three rivals all not playing in the league this weekend, they know victory at Wigan will move them into the all-important fourth place. England full back Glen Johnson is in contention to make his first appearance for more than two months while goalkeeper Pepe Reina is expected to overcome a shoulder problem. Midfielder David McCarthy is hoping to be fit for the Latics who are yet to beat the Reds in 11 encounters.
Quick Check
Wigan Athletic
- Midfielder David McCarthy is hoping to recover from an ankle problem.
- The Latics will use their new pitch for the first time since it was relaid.
- Wigan have scored in their last four meetings with Liverpool.
- Roberto Martinez’s side has won only one of their last 13 matches in the Premier League.
- The Latics have gone six games without a win.
- Wigan have never beaten Liverpool in 11 encounters.
Liverpool
- Defender Glen Johnson could return after two months out with a knee injury.
- Centre back Sotirios Kyrgiakos is available as available again after a three-match ban.
- Goalkeeper Pepe Reina is expected to overcome a shoulder problem.
- Rafa Benitez’s side has lost only one of their last ten league games.
- Liverpool have kept five clean sheets in their last seven matches.
- The Reds haven’t conceded only one goal before half-time in their last ten fixtures.
- Liverpool have won nine of their 11 meetings with Wigan, drawing the other two.
- Brazilian Aurelio will be out for up to three weeks with a thigh problem.
- Centre back Daniel Agger is struggling to overcome a knee injury.
- Centre back Martin Skrtel is out for two months with a broken metatarsal.
Expert Advice
After all their problems this season, things continue to head in a favourable direction for Liverpool and the return of Glen Johnson to their defence will strengthen their cause for a strong end to the campaign. Rafa Benitez’s group of injured stars have returned to full fitness at just the right time as far as the Reds manager is concerned and it would be a major surprise if they were to come unstuck at Wigan. The Latics have had their moments this season – most notably against Chelsea – but they remain a distinctly fragile outfit whose heads drop when they concede a goal. With Liverpool not in the best goalscoring form, there are unlikely to be plenty of goals but they should have far too much power in attack and at the back for the Latics and an away win by one goal appears a value bet at Betsson’s odds of 3.5.
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