Liverpool vs Wigan Match Preview

The Reds Look to make it Five Straight Victories as they take on Latics at Anfield

by Rhydon Atzenhoffer
February 10, 2011

Kuyt Strikes Against Wigan

Liverpool will be looking to continue their rise up the table. A victory on the weekend would not see the Reds move up, but it could see them three points closer to 4th if Chelsea and Tottenham both or either have a bad weekend. The fourth straight victory for the Merseyside club came over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and should continue to poor confidence on the players.

Raul Meireles scored his fourth goal in five games as he continues to shine under Kenny Dalglish, and Martin Kelly once again impressed as his efforts effectively shut off the service of Ashley Cole to the Chelsea front line.

Wigan were able to hold off Blackburn Rovers to earn a hard fought 4-3 victory to stay top of the relegation zone. A loss would see them stay confined to a bottom three place for another week, but a draw could possibly see them out if West Brom fail to see off West Ham in another relegation battle.

Both squads will be dealing with players coming back from international duty. Liverpool's Steven Gerrard and Martin Kelly both pulled out of their England Squads as they have knocks to look after. Dirk Kuyt and Daniel Agger both scored for their respected countries as the Netherlands were victorious while the Danes fell to the Three Lions. Lucas Leiva and Martin Skrtel also will be returning from International duty.

Maxi Rodriguez was omitted from the Argentina side that faced off and defeated Portugal, while new signing Luis Suarez rested up due to Uruguay not being in action this Wednesday. It may just pave the way for him to make his first start for the Reds in what will be his third match in a Liverpool kit.

Possible Line-ups and Team News

Liverpool have several injury issues and worries to deal with. Jonjo Shelvey will be sidelined with a knee injury. Martin Kelly and Steven Gerrard are both receiving intensive treatment with the latter set as a late decision by Dalglish to start. Joe Cole is still recovering and will still be several weeks out along with Andy Carroll who looks at still another three weeks before being match healthy but let alone fit.

Possible Liverpool XI: Reina; Skrtel, Carragher, Agger; Johnson, Aurelio; Meireles, Gerrard, Lucas; Kuyt, Suarez.

Wigan will look to James McCarthy, Hugo Rodallega and Charles N'Zogbia to continue their form this week after the three of them were instrumental in their victory over Blackburn. Their on-loan Midfielder Tom Cleverly from Manchester United should be back on the subs bench after a good run out Saturday in place of Moses. Along with him should also be new front man Conor Sammon. Paraguayan defender Antolin Alcaraz remains the only Latic suspected to be out of action.

Possible Wigan XI: Al Habsi; Boyce, G Caldwell, Gohouri, Figueroa; Thomas, Watson; N’Zogbia, McCarthy, Moses; Rodallega.