FA Cup: Wigan v Crystal Palace match preview

A look ahead to this week’s FA Cup fixture at the DW Stadium

FA Cup holders Wigan will move one step closer to another visit to Wembley if they can beat Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The Latics needed two extra time goals from Manchester United loanee Nick Powell to progress against MK Dons in a Third Round replay, and they will be hoping that the Eagles have their attentions turned elsewhere when they visit the DW Stadium.

Palace manager Tony Pulis’ top priority is to ensure that his side stay in the Premier League and do not follow in Wigan’s footsteps down in the Championship, and therefore could rest key players for their trip up north.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3.00 pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS:

Crystal Palace 2 (Ambrose, Williams) Wigan 1 (Watson), Carling Cup, Second Round, September 2011.

Crystal Palace 1 (Granville) Wigan 1 (Ellington), Football League Division One, April 2004.

Wigan 5 (Lidell 2, Ellington 2, Horsfield) Crystal Palace 0, Football League Division One, November 2003.

STATS:

This will be the first time these teams have ever met in the FA Cup.

Crystal Palace have only scored 14 goals in the Premier League so far this season, the fewest in the Premier League.

Wigan have lost only one of their last seven matches.

Crystal Palace have only let in 9 goals in 10 Premier League matches under Tony Pulis, compared to 23 in 12 matches under Ian Holloway.

ODDS:

Wigan to win: 2.14

Crystal Palace to win: 3.75

Draw: 3.65

TV: Highlights on ITV at 10.45pm