Wigan v Stoke

Wigan prepare to entertain high flying Stoke City to the JJB Stadium this weekend which both sides will view as a potential three pointer.

The bad news is that Wigan's home form is not wonderful of late but against Aston Villa it was rather flattering for the away side and against Middlesbrough, it was plain daylight robbery. At Pompey last weekend, Wigan were back to their best and Steve Bruce will urge his players to continue on from that fine victory.

Bruce has no fresh injury worries ahead of the game so he'll be fielding his strongest side and having his defence working hard to try and counter the threat of Rory Delap's throw ins which have caused some surprises already this season.

Apart from Rory Delap, Stoke have some good, genuine players in their side and in my opinion, picked up a good player in Sorensen, whose a great goalkeeper and has done well for Stoke. The forward line of Stoke are very good as well and basically, the whole team deserves a lot of credit for the way they've tackled a difficult league to be in, so well done to Stoke City.

Wigan know they must perform and cope with Rory Delap this weekend and I firmly believe that Wigan will sneak the victory here despite a spirited Stoke performance.

Rob's Prediction

Wigan 2 Stoke 1

Wigan will sneak this I think and Stoke will get a consolation through another Rory Delap throw in marvel.

Possible Line Up

GK: Kirkland

DF: Melchiot

DF: Bramble

DF: Boyce

DF: Figueroa

MF: Valencia

MF: Cattermole

MF: Palacios

MF: Koumas

ST: Heskey

ST: Zaki

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