Liverpool vs Wigan Athletic

Liverpool will hope to put an end to a bad patch in this game - four losses from five matches - while Wigan attempt to move out of the drop zone when the two teams meet on Saturday at Anfield.

At any rate, Kenny Dalglish was left stunned midweek, as Liverpool, cruising to a 2-0 win, conceded thrice inside 14 minutes and lost to QPR.

The Reds have already qualified, at a minimum, for the Europa League next season, thanks to the Carling Cup triumph. That was probably a good thing, since qualifying for the Champions League now seems out of reach for the Reds. Indeed, apart from the FA Cup, Liverpool's season is pretty much over.

Meanwhile, Wigan Athletic still have to battle relegation and three points from Anfield would do their chances and confidence a world of good. Although Roberto Martinez's side have played some beautiful football this season, results have not gone their way.

Finding goals has been a cause for concern for both teams but creating chances has not. Wigan's away record is better than their home one but it will be difficult for them to pick up something from Anfield.

While Martin Kelly might recover in time for Liverpool, Charlie Adam seems sure to miss the match after twisting his ankle midweek. Daniel Agger is still out with cracked ribs, as is Glen Johnson. Holding midfielder Lucas Leiva is also out, having been ruled out for the rest of the season. With Craig Bellamy still struggling to find fitness, expect Andy Carroll to partner Luis Suarez in Liverpool's frontline. Jamie Carragher should start at right back, if Kelly doesn't make it; or expect young John Flanagan to get a chance.

Jose Enrique is fit to start at left back and the central defensive pair will be Martin Skrtel and Sebastian Coates. Steven Gerrard should start in the centre of midfield along with Jay Spearing. Stewart Downing will probably operate on the left wing and either Dirk Kuyt or Jordan Henderson will take up the right.

Wigan's defensive line-up seems unlikely to change with Emmerson Boyce on the right and Maynor Figueroa on the opposite flank and Antolin Alcaraz and Gary Caldwell as the centre backs. Victor Moses should start on the right wing and might switch flanks with Jean Beausejour. Midfielders James McCarthy and James McArthur will sit in front of the Wigan defence, with Jordi Gomez also expected to join them in crowding out the midfield.

There are reports that the injured Hugo Rodallega could return in time to face Liverpool and if he does, he will take Di Santo's place as the lone striker. Midfielder David Jones is a doubt for this one.

The match will be available live on vslive.tv in the UK and FOXSoccer.tv in the US.

Prediction:

Liverpool 4 - 1 Wigan Athletic

Liverpool has a history of responding strongly to a major crisis and the Reds should be favourites in this tie against a Wigan side, which has won just once in their last 15 matches in all competitions. Liverpool's defending has been shaky in the absence of Daniel Agger. Expect Wigan to find the back of net at least once but Liverpool should win comfortably.

Liverpool FC