Stoke v Wigan - Match preview and team news
Wigan return to the Britannia Stadium where they have good memories of clashes with Stoke City in recent years.
Despite the notorious difference between the Latics’ passing philosophy and Tony Pulis’ more rumbustious approach with the Potters, Wigan have actually collected some good results at Stoke in recent years. 2009 saw Maynor Figueroa’s outrageous goal from inside his own half while in 2011, Hugo Rodallega’s late winner on the final day of the 2010/11 season guaranteed Wigan’s improbable survival.
A win on Tuesday could be the catalyst for another great for Roberto Martinez’ men, who currently lie in a lowly 19th place and two points shy of safety. However, Stoke City are looking for their first Premier League victory of 2013, one that would firmly take them away from any unlikely relegation trouble.
Pulis has Glenn Whelan available after the Football Association chose to take no retrospective action against his late tackle on Manchester City’s Javi Garcia on Saturday, while Asmir Begovic is set to return in goal in place of Thomas Sorenson. Up front, Pulis must choose between Kenwyne Jones, who could move to Swansea before the end of the transfer window on Thursday, and the out of form Peter Crouch.
Wigan are also set to make changes from the side that just about saw off Macclesfield in the FA Cup on Saturday. Roberto Martinez made eight changes to his regular line up for the victorious trip to Moss Rose and the likes of Ali Al Habsi, Shaun Maloney, James McCarthy and Gary Caldwell should all return.
See what the expert tipsters at OLBG are tipping on Stoke v Wigan
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