Wigan V Manchester United Preview

Wigan vs Manchester United

Saturday 22 August 2009,

DW Stadium

Kick-Off: 15:00

Wigan

With three points behind them, Wigan Athletic look to climb higher up the ladder in their home match against Manchester United this Saturday.

The Latics lost their previous match to Wolverhampton 0-1 just a few days ago on home soil after a pulsating 2-0 win over Aston Villa in the opener of the season.

Speculation that has floated around over Paul Scharner’s position leave room for questions on his morale into the Manchester United clash, and the implications that it could have.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez, however, has clearly stated that the team needed Scharner to hold the defense position, a task he did justice to in the Aston Villa clash, as he saved the Latics twice with clearances from goal line.

Manchester United

Reigning Premier League Champions Manchester United will come into this match recovering from a stunning 0-1 defeat against underdogs Burnley on Wednesday night. United need to win this match to gather up momentum and confidence before their date with Arsenal next weekend.

Man Utd’s Nani, who suffered from an injury in their Birmingham City win, sat out watching the team squirm against Burnley. His recovery could be a matter of great concern to the team, affecting its performance as it seemed to have in their previous match.

Missing a Spain bound Cristiano Ronaldo, Man U will undoubtedly need Wayne Rooney to step up and work his magic.

Prediction

As both Wigan Athletic and Manchester United stagger from losses against newly promoted teams, they will both undoubtedly be highly determined to pocket this win. While Wigan sports the much obvious home advantage, league champions Manchester United cannot quite be slated as the weaker team.

The previous two meetings between these teams saw Manchester United win on both occasions, with last season's Wigan vs Man Utd fixture ending 2-1, and the Red Devils also winning at home with a 1-0 scoreline on their cruise to the top last season.

However, Manchester United now struggle with the absence of their former star Cristiano Ronaldo, who was transferred to Real Madrid earlier this season. The return of injury-struck Nani could also play a huge role in determining the outcome of the match.

It also becomes increasingly important for Manchester United to win this before they storm into their clash with arch-rivals Arsenal. The pressure to win should also be a force that would urge the team forward in their Wigan encounter.

Wayne Rooney could in every sense be the decider who could tip the balance in United favour as he walks up to replace Ronaldo. However, the Latics are far from being counted out and it should be a close encounter.

Wigan vs Man Utd Prediction: Wigan 1 - Manchester United 2

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