Latics v Liverpool Preview

Latics entertain Liverpool at the DW Stadium in not only the last home game before Christmas but also the last home game of 2011, finishing off in style with a win would be great.

Last Saturday`s great comeback against Chelsea showed that the Latics have what it takes to compete against the top sides in the Premier League, Liverpool aren`t a team to be feared and if we can play like we did at the weekend then a victory would be more than a possibility

Liverpool have lost Lucas for the season with a knee injury and this has affected their midfield play, though in Bellamy they have great pace and Suarez brings a touch of class.

Latics v Liverpool in recent years have been close affairs, I don`t see that changing tonight, though I do see a Latics win.

Latics boss Roberto Martinez

Liverpool are very impressive

'I got the opportunity to see them live against Aston Villa and it gives you the impression they have a lot of very good players, they know what it means to play for Liverpool and have been there a long time.

'Others are having a honeymoon period, they have very good pace with Bellamy and Downing, and Suarez who is in the moment of his career.

'They have quality all over and this is probably the strongest Liverpool we'll have faced in the last three or four years.'

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalgliesh

'They're a good team, Roberto has them playing his way, the right way

'They stayed up last season and I think they'll do so again this season'

Hugo Rodallega is the only injury worry, expect an unchanged side from the one that drew with Chelsea on Saturday

Latics probable: Al-Habsi, Stam, Figueroa, Caldwell, Alcaraz, Diame, Jones, McCarthy, Gomez, Moses, Sammon

What can you say, he's been fantastic these past few games

Jordi Gomez celebrates his goal against Chelsea on Saturday

By permission of Bernard Platt/Wigan Athletic

Lucas is out for the season with knee ligament damage, Jay Spearing is suspended whilst Steven Gerrard is still out injured

Liverpool from: Reina, Johnson, Enrique, Agger, Skrtel, Adam, Henderson, Shelvey, Carragher, Downing, Bellamy, Kuyt, Suarez, Carroll,Doni, Coates, Kelly, Maxi

Class player, was kind of hoping he might have been suspended

Latics and Liverpool have met 14 times

Latics 1 win, Liverpool 9, draw 4

Michael Oliver (Northumbria)

Why not take a look at our excellent 'Meet The Ref' article

Michael Oliver Card Wtach 2011/12

Games - 13, yellows - 36, reds - 2

Head says 1-1 draw

Heart says 2-1 Latics win, as always going with the heart

Premier League

Manchester United v Latics
Old Trafford
Boxing Day
3pm

Stoke City v Latics
The Britannia Stadium
New Years Eve
3pm

















Latics and Proud



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