Premier League: Wigan v Manchester United match preview

A look ahead to this week's Premier League fixture at the DW Stadium

Robin van Persie (GETTY IMAGES)

At the turn of 2012, Manchester United were edged to the top of the league by eventual champions Manchester City. Instead of goal difference, seven points separate them this New Year, and a win at the DW Stadium would see Sir Alex Ferguson's side throwing down the gauntlet further.

A bright start to the season by Wigan has not, as many predicted, lasted. They lie one point above the relegation zone, having played one more game than fellow strugglers Southampton, in 19th. However an emphatic 3-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday will boost confidence ahead of the visit of United.

United have 46 goals against the Latics in their 16 encounters, and only five in reply, making them favourites. But City fans will hope that, like their 1-0 win in April last year, Roberto Martinez's team will spring a surprise.

KICK-OFF: Tuesday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS...

Manchester United 4 (Scholes, Hernandez, Büttner, Powell) Wigan 0, Premier League, September 2012

Wigan 1 (Maloney) 0 Manchester United, Premier League, April 2012

Manchester United 5 (Park, Berbatov 3, Valencia) Wigan 0, Premier League, December 2011

STATS...

In their 16 games against Wigan, Manchester United have only failed to win once: a 1-0 loss in this fixture last season.

Wigan ended a run of six winless games by beating Aston Villa 3-0 on Saturday: their second-largest ever away result in the Premier League.

Robin van Persie has scored 62 goals from his 75 appearances since January 2011, with team-mate Wayne Rooney next, on 44.

Manchester United have not lost a single Premier League game in which they have been leading at half-time (199 wins and 12 draws from 211 games).

ODDS...

Wigan to win: 7.2

Manchester United to win: 1.51

Draw: 4.8

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.25pm