On Sky
Todays game ACN absentees combined with influential club captain Vincent Kompany serving a controversial four match ban mean that City have a tough task ahead of them in dispatching Wigan and maintaining their title winning momentum.
Critics (ahem.. Lawro) have been quick to put down Roberto Mancini after the Italian was berating the lack of options at his disposal. They forget that we have one of the smallest squads in the league, dispite the huge outlay last summer. Quality, not quantity, Mark.
Wigan have slowly steadied their sinking ship but still face a battle to climb out of the relegation zone.
oberto Martinez has done extremely well at the DW despite what their league position suggests.
This will be no walk in the park and with City currently in a mini crisis, this could be the perfect game for Wigan to launch their survival bid.
Vital Quotes:
Roberto Martinez gave his thoughts on this evenings game, stating: ‘We will approach the game and be open, we have to create chances and we are in the period of the season where we need to pick up points. Manchester City are missing players but I don’t see it as a problem. They are very adaptable.’
Wigan Athletic Team News:
Mohamed Diame is off to the ACN to provide Wigan problems of their own. Shaun Maloney will also miss out due to injury.
Player to watch: Victor Moses
The pacey striker has all the attributes to cause any defence problems, but with City’s young Serbian at center-back, Wigan have an excellent chance of causing an upset.
Manchester City Team News:
City are without a number of options including Yaya and Kolo Toure who are both on international duty. Meanwhile, Vincent Kompany is suspended, while Micah Richards and Mario Balotelli are struggling with injury problems.
Player to watch: Gareth Barry
Barry has been an ever present rock this season. While he hasn’t previously been acknowledged for his crucial role in the middle, the world is slowly starting to take note of the former Aston Villa captain as he dominates midfield week after week.
Against the likes of Wigan, Barry will no doubt feature prominently and his workrate and pinpoint passing will allow the forwards to do what they do best.
Match Facts & Stats
Wigan have so far conceeded 41 goals in 20 league games.
City have won their last four matches against Wigan without conceding a goal.
Match Prediction:
I think that this game will be a lot closer than one might expect. Although City have it on paper, regardless of absentees, Wigan still have massive problems defensively. City have enough in them to gain a crucial 3 points, but their burley forwards will give the inexperienced Savic a run for his money. Wigan 0-1 Manchester City.