Wigan Athletic vs Liverpool Match Preview
Wigan lost 1-0 away to Birmingham at the weekend, the only goal of the match coming from James McFadden following a penalty call against the Latics Mario Melchiot, who handled the ball in the box.
Although Latics manager Roberto Martinez admitted his side were not god enough, it must still rankle the Spaniard that the only goal of the match came off a whistle for an infraction.
A week before it was the lack of whistles that Martinez saw fit to speak about as his side lost to Tottenham, the first goal of that match coming from Defoe in an offside position.
Wigan are now seven games without a win, nine if you include FA Cup action, and they are only one point above the relegation zone. A loss to Liverpool would set up a monumental clash for the Latics next week as they will face fellow strugglers Bolton.
Liverpool and Liverpudlians are delighted that Fernando Torres is now back from injury and manager Rafa Benitez has compared the Spanish international’s return to getting a new player though the end of the season.
He’ll wish the opportunity for new players were real. Martin Skrtel is out with a broken metatarsal, Fabio Aurelio is out with a thigh injury, and Daniel Agger is doubtful due to a bruised knee.
It’s all very bad timing for Liverpool as their coveted fourth place league position is far from secure at this juncture. They hold the sixth spot in the table behind Manchester City and Tottenham.
And although the Reds are off the pace for fourth by a mere point, the battle between the several clubs in contention for that position has been intense.
Benitez has promised his club would finish fourth, but he may find himself with egg on his chin yet.
