Official StokeMAD Match preview: Wigan v Stoke

Last updated : 08 February 2010 By Dan Buxton

The Potters travel to Wigan this Tuesday evening in a game that sees a side in good form against a side who are slipping down the league and are in need of a win.

Stoke sit 11th in the Premier League and seem to be edging towards Premier League safety for another season.  Wigan are struggling this season under the stewardship of Roberto Martinez and are on a bad run of late, without a home win since November as they look worryingly over their shoudler at the bottom three.

Stoke have a better away record this season and beat Tottenham earlier this season whilst also getting numerous draws, although they have only scored four times on their travels in eleven away games. Wigan have only won three times at home all season, with the last time being in November.

In the 10 matches between these sides at Wigan, the Potters have won 3, the hosts 4 and three have been drawn. Last season when the pair clashed at the DW Stadium  the game ended goalless. City are unbeaten in their last two visits to Wigan and have lost only twice in their last eight trips. Overall Wigan have won 5 times to the Potters 10.

The referee is Andre Marriner. He has taken charge of both sides once this season as Stoke drew away at Everton1-1 and Wigan thrashed Hull 4-1 at home.

The Met Office report that there will be clear skies, freezing temperatures of 0 degrees celsius, good visibility and a slow 9mph wind.

Prediction: Stoke strike early through the recalled Tuncay and, after much defending, seal the result late on following the introduction of Fuller