After another exciting weekend of Premier League action, Monday sees what could be a crucial match at both ends of the Premier League table as title chasers Manchester City travel to the DW Stadium to face relegation candidates Wigan (Wigan 8/1, draw 7/2, Man City 2/5).
Both teams are in the midst of some patchy form and a win on Monday could go some way to help either side achieve their respective goals for the season.
After a solid run before Christmas, the Latics have struggled in the last few games and have lost three of their last five. Despite their form, coach Roberto Martinez is staying positive and believes they will once again stave off relegation.
It is likely that they will persevere with the 3-5-2 formation that they’ve been using recently, meaning they could dominate the City midfielders.
Key to this will be the performance of young Irish midfielder James McCarthy (11/2 to score at any time) who is one of the Lancashire side’s true quality players.
McCarthy has had a torrid time with injuries during his short career but he always performs when fit and will be looking to impress against the Citizens.
A number of top teams have tried to prise him away from the D.W. Stadium and the former Hamilton Academical player will be hoping to prove he can compete with the league’s best.
City are in a similarly poor run of form and with the talismanic Yaya Toure away at the African Cup of Nations as well as captain Vincent Kompany suspended, they’re beginning to look vulnerable. However, the Eastlands side are still top of the table and will look at the game at Wigan as the perfect opportunity to get back on track.
Boss Roberto Mancini has almost unlimited quality in his squad and is always able to field a world-class team. In the absence of Toure, Dutchman Nigel de Jong (10/1 to score at any time) has regained his place in the side and will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in Monday’s match.
Kompany’s absence means the inexperienced Stefan Savic is likely to start and after a shaky performance in the Carling Cup defeat to Liverpool, he could be struggling for confidence. This means it will be De Jong’s job to protect the City goal so expect a big game from the former Ajax man as he looks to prove he’s good enough for a starting spot.
De Jong’s influence could be vital due to City’s recent poor defensive performances but despite these frailties, they will be confident of winning the match. However, Wigan always try to attack so it should be an exciting game and there are sure to be goals (City 25/1 to win 3-2).
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