Rob's Prediction - Wigan V Liverpool

Wigan entertain the Reds at the JJB Stadium, hoping to get their own back after defeat at Anfield earlier in the season, going down to two late, unlucky strikes. Credit to Liverpool for sticking to the task there, but Wigan were harshly done by.

That said, that is now history but the Latics will be looking for a taste of revenge. Unfortunately for the Latics, they've lost two good players in Emile Heskey and Wilson Palacios and if reports are to be believed, Antonio Valencia has handed in a transfer request.

I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Luis head off to Real in the none too distant future and if he's unsettled, then I would not be surprised if he went during this window which would be really bad news - just as we're doing well, we've been hit by these setbacks.

However Bruce has, to be fair, acted quickly in getting replacements and I think personally that Mido would be a good signing to replace Emile Heskey in the long term and Hugo Rodallega's arrival can only add to competition up front.

For the game tonight, I think Liverpool will win because they need this win so badly to keep in check with the fore runners of the premier league. Bruce has a decent record against Rafa but I think that Liverpool will nick this by the odd goal. Cue a repeat of last season's fixture. No doubt Liverpool will find this game tough but they'll prevail, I think.

WIGAN: PLAYER TO WATCH: MIDO
============================

Mido is so eager to score on his debut and will be a threat. Liverpool need to deal with him and will not have an easy night against a fired up debutant.

LIVERPOOL: PLAYER TO WATCH: KEANE
=================================

Robbie Keane really needs to keep his future at Anfield in check and I see him coming out all guns blazing to prove to the reds he was a good investment. The Latics defence will have their work cut out.

ROB'S PREDICTION
================

The lack of first team regulars worries me. If Chris Kirkland and Antonio Valencia are not fit in time, this for me would set alarm bells ringing. I just don't know what team Bruce is going to put out but I know that Bruce is a great gaffer and will try his hardest to thwart Benitez so I expect a defensive minded tactic from our gaffer tonight. The game will be physical but I just expect Liverpool to nick it but at the same time, I expect Wigan to give their all.

Wigan 1 Liverpool 2

ROB'S FINAL THOUGHT
===================

A bad result tonight would not be the end of the world. Liverpool are a great, great side and it would not get me worried about the future to be honest. As long as we give a creditable account of ourselves, I'll be pleased and if we do get something from the game, I'll be even happier.

UP THE LATICS!!!!

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.