Premier League: Stoke City v Wigan Athletic match preview

Stoke will be looking to avoid a fourth Premier League defeat and also to bounce back after the disappointment of going out in the FA Cup on Saturday at the hands of Manchester City.

While the Potters are known for having a strong, robust defence but have been leaking goals lately, shipping in at least three goals in each of their last four league matches, which will be a concern for Tony Pulis.

Wigan are heading into the game in confident mood on their travels, currently unbeaten in their last four away games in all competitions. However they have only recorded one win in their last ten Premier League games.

TEAM NEWS...

Stoke: Asmir Begovic is set to reclaim his place in goal after making way for Thomas Sorenson for Saturday’s FA Cup defeat to Man City. Greg Whelan is free to play after not being charged by the FA for his controversial tackle on City midfielder Javi Garcia.

Wigan: Roberto Martinez is set to make several changes after resting first-team players in the team’s 1-0 victory against Macclesfield during the weekend. Striker Arouna Kone is away on international duty at the AFCON.

KICK-OFF: 7.45pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS...

Wigan 2 (Maloney, Di Santo) Stoke City 2 (Walters, Crouch) - September 2012 – Premier League

Wigan 2 (Alcaraz, Moses) Stoke City 0 - March 2012 – Premier League

Stoke City 2 (Walters, Jerome) Wigan 2 (Moses, Watson) - December 2011 - Premier League

STATS...

The reverse fixture in September saw two penalties converted for either side and Stoke coming from behind twice to salvage a point, with Peter Crouch netting the equaliser.

The last fixture between the two sides at the Britannia also saw two penalties converted by either side, Jon Walters for Stoke and Shaun Maloney for the Lancashire outfit.

Stoke midfielder Wilson Palacois played for Wigan after signing in January 2008, going on to make 37 league appearances for the Lactics before moving to Tottenham and subsequently Stoke.

Wigan are undefeated in their last seven games against Stoke in all competitions.

ODDS...

Stoke to win: 2.10

Wigan to win: 3.60

Draw: 3.00

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