Liverpool v Latics Preview

Roberto Martinez takes his side the short distance up the East Lanc`s Road today hoping to build on the good performance and great result from last week`s victory over Blackburn.

Martinez has targeted 4 wins and 2 draws for Premier League survival and chalking one of those off today would be a good return from an afternoons endeavours.

Latics have been blighted by injuries to key players all season, but now that the likes of James McCarthy and Victor Moses are returning to full fitness there is a renewed optimism around the place.

Four goals last weekend showed that the Latics do know how to score, one or two more today wouldn`t go a miss.

Liverpool appear to be turning their season around under the returning guidance of Kenny Dalglish, four straight wins have launched the reds up to 6th in the table and they will undoubtedly be looking to build on their recent run of good form.

A tough game for the Latics but not a game that they should fear, a positive result would be a great boost ahead of entering the seasons final straight.

Latics boss Roberto Martinez

"It has been fascinating watching the transition at Liverpool.

'To get four straight wins in the league is difficult enough, to do it in the manner they did against Chelsea is something only special people can achieve.

"If you look at Kenny Dalglish he has pulled the whole club together.

'He has got the best out of the players and there is a real positive feeling with his dealings in the January transfer window.'

Carroll, Shelvey, Spearing all out Gerrard, Cole, Kelly and Skrtel doubtful, expect Gerrard to play tough.

Liverpool from:

Reina; Skrtel, Carragher, Agger, Kelly, Lucas, Meireles, Poulsen, Johnson, Gerrard, Maxi, Aurelio, Kuyt, Gulacsi, Suarez, Jovanovic, Kyrgiakos, Ngog, Cole.

Been on really good form of late

Latics have doubts over Maynor Figueroa and Gary Caldwell, though Caldwell is expected to play with a mask to protect his fractured cheekbone.

Latics from:

Al Habsi; Boyce, Gohouri, Alcaraz, Figueroa, Diame, N'Zogbia, Di Santo, Watson, McCarthy, McArthur, Moses, Cleverley, Rodallega, Pollitt, S. Caldwell, Gomez, Stam, Sammon, G. Caldwell.

The young midfield man looks to be getting back to his best following his lengthy lay-off, keep it going Macca


Reproduced with permission of Bernard Platt/Wigan Athletic

Latics and Liverpool have faced each other on 13 previous occassions

Latics 1 win, Liverpool 9, draws 3

Last Six Meetings

10 Nov 2010 - Premier League - Latics 1 Liverpool 1
08 Mar 2010 - Premier League - Latics 1 Liverpool 0
16 Dec 2009 - Premier League - Liverpool 2 Latics 1
28 Jan 2009 - Premier League - Latics 1 Liverpool 1
18 Oct 2008 - Premier League - Liverpool 3 Latics 2
02 Jan 2008 - Premier League - Liverpool Latics 1

Kevin Friend (Leicestershire)

Why not take a look at our 'Meet the Ref' article

Kevin Friend Card Watch 2010/11

Games - 22, yellows - 65, reds - 4

Head says 2-1 Liverpool

Heart says 1-1

FA Cup 4th Round Replay

Latics v Bolton Wanderers
DW Stadium
Wednesday
16/02/11
7:45pm

Premier League

Latics v Manchester United
DW Stadium
Saturday
19/02/11
3pm

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