Lawro Predicts - Latics v City

Mark 'Lawro' Lawrenson has done his weekly round of Premier League predictions for the BBC, the Match of the Day pundit is forecasting that Monday nights clash between Wigan Athletic and Manchester City at the DW Stadium will end in an away win, let's take a look at his reasons:

Wigan v Man City

The first thing I'd say about Manchester City is that their manager Roberto Mancini can't complain his players are tired this time, because they will have had five days rest since the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final. In fact, they might even be a bit rusty by then.

It has been a bad week for them but in a strange kind of way the manner of their defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup last weekend meant they probably didn't feel like they had lost that game.

Against Liverpool on Wednesday, City were the worst I have seen them this season at home but it is only half-time in that one and I do believe they will be much better in the second leg at Anfield. That game will be a lot more open because Liverpool's fans will not let them play so defensively at home.

They should beat Wigan but the pressure will be on because Manchester United and Tottenham both play before them this weekend, and both of them have home games they should win to join City at the top of the table.

It is imperative for City's title bid that they beat the Latics and I think they will, although playing Wigan away is more difficult than you might think - they have a good record against the better teams and City also have a poor record at the DW Stadium.

Prediction: 0-2

I have to go with my own team here, I hope we will shake off our abject display in the cup at Swindon by giving City a fright, I have a feeling it will end in a draw, 1-1

To see all Lawro`s weekend predictions visit www.bbc.co.uk/lawros-punts

















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