Stoke City travel to the DW Stadium to face an in-form Wigan Athletic side. The struggling Potters are looking to respond from their damaging loss to Middlesbrough, while Wigan are looking for a sixth win in seven Championship matches. Both teams are fighting hard to secure their respective Championship statuses.
Victory for Stoke will see them pull four points clear of the relegation zone. Wigan can climb above Reading and Birmingham City with a win and if results go in their favour over the next few days.
Stoke City Travel to the DW Stadium to Face Wigan Athletic
Stoke Looking to Bounce Back
Stoke travel to the DW Stadium knowing victory will pull them four points clear of the relegation zone. Michael O’Neill’s side can pull clear ahead of Hull City and Huddersfield Town, who both play later in the week.
However, O’Neill will demand a positive response from his team after their crushing defeat to fellow strugglers Middlesbrough. That defeat saw their five-match unbeaten run come to a crashing halt.
Former Wigan player Nick Powell misses out on a return to the DW Stadium. The midfielder will serve a one-match ban following a late red card at the weekend. Joe Allen continues his recovery from injury but O’Neill may have captain Ryan Shawcross available.
Wigan are Hoping to Continue Their Terrific Run of Form
Home side Wigan are enjoying their best run of the season. The Latics are unbeaten in eight games and have won five of their last six. They have charged up the Championship table and currently find themselves five points clear of the drop.
Victory over fellow strugglers Stoke will see Wigan reach the 50 point mark. They can climb as high as 15th if results go their way over the next few days. Paul Cook will fancy his side can continue their red hot run of form. They breezed past Lancashire rivals Blackburn Rovers last time out.
Goal scorers Lee Evans and Michael Jacobs are pushing for starts after their excellent contributions. Cook remains without Chey Dunkley but could have Gavin Massey and Gary Roberts available. The Wigan manager may rotate his team with the fixtures beginning to pile up.
Previous Meeting
Stoke City came from behind in the previous game in November. Mame Biram Diouf scored a 93rd-minute winner for the Potters after Sam Morsy had given Wigan a first-half lead. A terrific second-half comeback secured a crucial three points for Stoke.
Prediction
This is a crucial game for both sides in the battle for survival. Wigan’s form has been excellent and they will fancy securing a sixth win in seven games. Stoke are looking for redemption after defeat last time out. Expect a tight game between two sides who are usually shy in front goal. One goal could win this game for either side.
Prediction: Wigan Athletic 1-0 Stoke City
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