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Matchday Preview: LIVERPOOL v Wigan Athletic (Premier League)

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Venue: Anfield

Date: 17/11/12

Kick-Off: 15:00

ONE of Liverpool’s many low points last season came when Wigan visited Anfield and left with a deserved victory. Buoyed by last week’s draw at Stamford Bridge, the Reds will be itching to set the record straight when Roberto Martinez’s men visit on Saturday.

It was the game against Wigan in March that saw Raheem Sterling make his first senior appearance for Liverpool and it is a sign of how far the young winger has come that seven months later, Sterling is set to make his 11th league appearance of the season just days after winning his first cap for England. The 17-year-old could be joined in the starting line-up by Jonjo Shelvey, who is fit again after missing the Sweden fixture due to injury.

With Pepe Reina also available again after recovering from a hamstring problem, Brendan Rodgers had admitted he faces a selection dilemma in goal. Brad Jones has been in good form while deputising for Reina but in his pre-match press conference, Rodgers reiterated that the Spaniard is still his number one goalkeeper. Martin Skrtel should also be available after missing the game against Chelsea with a virus.
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Liverpool’s draw away to Chelsea last week means they are now unbeaten in six Premier League games, but with four of those matches ending in draws the Reds will have to be wary of complacency at home to Wigan. Liverpool have not beaten Wigan in their last five league meetings, with their last victory against the Latics coming in December 2009. Wigan are currently just one place and one point behind the Reds and will come to Anfield optimistic about their prospects.

Wigan’s top scorer this season is Arouna Koné, who has scored 4 goals in 11 appearances. Behind Koné in the scoring charts are Mauro Boselli and Franco Di Santo, who have managed three goals apiece. Di Santo earned his first cap for Argentina in midweek and could be Wigan’s player to watch on Saturday.

Luis Suarez’s equaliser against Chelsea was his 11th goal in all competitions and his 8th league goal of the season, which sees him tied with Robin van Persie at the top of the scoring charts. Such is Liverpool’s reliance on Suarez, the club will have been delighted by the Uruguayan stating that he is “very happy” at Anfield despite reported interest from Manchester City. The Reds will be even more delighted if Suarez inspires a Liverpool victory on Saturday.
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14 comments

  • Elias says:

    Liverpool should win these teams with plenty goals not even drawing … We should take each game seriously. If we loose or draw tomorrow then no work done . Better bring back rafa then

  • steveO says:

    If we dont win comfortably tomorrow , Rodgers must go

  • Red says:

    Sack BR if LFC can’t win more than 2 goals.

  • simon says:

    Even if we win easy , does not mean Rodgers should be kept

  • Jshegsman says:

    Pls we supporter lets b patient dis coach is takin us 2 a level we dnt expect,do ur wk roger

  • Thomas G says:

    Your right . he is taking us to a level we didnt expect – 13 th in november ! Disgracefull . Sack him now

  • SHM says:

    should win easy tomorrow

  • paul says:

    If rogers don,t win then fsg must bring in rafa to take us to the next level.

  • Ray Pugh says:

    I admit wasn’t thrilled when it was reported we were after Rodgers to take over from Kenny. Since he’s arrived he still may not have completely convinced me or many other supporters but let’s give the man a chance.

    I’ve liked the way he has given the youngsters a chance but on the other hand I think some of the older players (Kenny’s buys) have been treated a bit unfairly. I think some of that has been a bit of a PR exercise to get the fans on his side.

    The point is though that Rodgers IS our manager and we should be supporting him and not waiting for him to fail. I like most expect a win today and will be very disappointed with anything less but will not be calling for his head if we don’t.

    I believe our squad is good, better than some seem to think. We’ve got some good youngsters mixed with some good established players. If we add two or three more proven players we can start moving up near the top. Plus there are more good kids to come through,.

    • marco says:

      nice sentiments … but

      hasnt he already failed , his signings are really poor , tactically he doesnt seem to know how to get a win , we are 13th etc etc

      and just because he IS our manager , we should support him ? thats what the ‘loyal’ blackburn fans said about steve kean last season . they also asked for patience

    • brassle says:

      why support someone who is useless ? the ‘loyal ‘ blackburn fans said that about steve kean last season , look what happened to them

  • fotherinham says:

    he has had his chance and failed . his signings are really poor, and he doesnt seem to know how to get wins . we are 13th for fk sake .

  • furble says:

    half time its 0-0 boring boring liverpool under brenda again

  • hugo says:

    well we won 3-0 but we were not great . wigan fell apart a bit . still well played suarez enrique and henderson made us improve when he came on . poor displays by gerrard and allen

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