Wigan Athletic vs Manchester United
Wigan Athletic vs Manchester United

The Latics played well enough to deserve at least a point against Chelsea in their last game but came back empty-handed as luck and some poor refereeing played its part. However, with fellow relegation candidates not managing better results, Wigan can still hope to retain their Prmeier League status for another year and their recent form suggests they may just about do that. However, as far as this game is concerned, Manchester United are not league champions for nothing and should be able to break Wigan down without too much difficulty.

The Red Devils know the importance this match could make to their title ambitions and a win at one of their happy hunting grounds, the DW Stadium, could provide a giant - and probably unassailable - stride towards league title number 20. Eight points clear of City, United have one hand on the cup and with their experience and drive, not many people will bet against them, either to beat Wigan or City.

Team News: Roberto Martinez will be without striker Hugo Rodallega for the United game as next Monday's trip to Arsenal is thought to be a more realistic target for the injured Colombian. Fortunately, fellow forward Victor Moses is fit again after suffering a knock against Chelsea and midfielder David Jones is available, although he is shot of match fitness and may not feature.

For United, both Nani and Michael Owen are expected to be fit for this game and while midfielder Anderson could return next week, captain Nemanja Vidic, Darren Fletcher and goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard remain long-term absentees.

Sir Alex Ferguson is expected to make a few changes to the squad that beat QPR last week, as United attempt to keep some key players fresh. Tom Cleverley and Chris Smalling might step in for this midweek fixture, with Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand likely to get some rest. The Red Devils have won their last five games without conceding a goal, while Wigan have never taken even a point against United in any meeting between the sides.

A clear win for Manchester United is indicated.

Manchester United won the reverse fixture at Old Trafford 5-0 in December, with a hat-trick from Dimitar Berbatov and goals from Park Ji-Sung and Antonio Valencia.

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

Probable Starting Line-up

Wigan Athletic: Al Habsi, Alcaraz, Caldwell, Boyce, Figueroa, Beausejour, McCarthy, McArthur, Moses, Maloney, Di Santo

Manchester United: De Gea, Rafael, Smalling, Evans, Evra, Valencia, Cleverley, Giggs, Nani, Rooney, Hernandez