Preview: Sunderland Vs Wigan Athletic

Last year, Sunderland won the Championship in style and Wigan finished as their runners up. Yet whilst Wigan have gone from strenght to strenght, making it to their first ever major Cup final and currently sitting in the top half of the table, Sunderland have been facing a losing battle to relegation which is now virtually over, with a swift return to The Championship now an almost certainty.

Just 10 points this season has seen Mcarthy lose his job

Sunderlands poor form this season has seen Mick Mcarthy lose his job, after mounting pressure from the fans. Former Sunderland player Kevin Ball took over as Caretaker boss, and insists that he isn't daunted by Saturday's big game.

"I'm aware of the extent of everything, but ultimately, come Saturday, I'm going to say to the players 'go out there and enjoy it'".

Sunderland defender Stephen Caldwell, who will captain Sunderland in the absence of Gary Breen admitted he can't wait for Saturdays game: "Hopefully it'll be a really great occasion. The fans are definitely going to get behind the gaffer and i'm looking forward to it."

Wigan picked up their first points of the season at home to the Mackems, winning 1-0 thanks to Jason Robert's penalty in the first minute of the game. Roberts admits that Saturdays game will be a hard one, and also agrees that when clubs sack managers, the team usually bite back.

"It was always going to be a tough game but with them changing managers it is going to be even tougher because players are going to want to impress. They could get a fresh bit of impetus like Newcastle have since Graeme Souness left."

Roberts: Scored the winner that beat Sunderland at the JJB

And the Grenadian also admitted that this weekends result could help decide whether Wigan get into Europe via the UEFA Cup: "If we can play like that (against United) between now and the end of the season then we will be there or thereabouts for a European place, but its games like these will decide whether we make it into Europe or not."

Wigan are expected to play the same team who cruely lost out to Manchester United. Lee Mchulloch played the majority of the game against United and his influence was obvious, as he gave Wigan the balance that has been lacking in recent weeks. John Filan is expected to keep his place in the team for the absent Mike Pollitt and Wigan's only long term injury, Ryan Taylor has returned to training but is not expected to be ready for first tea maction for a few weeks yet.

Sunderland are without goalkeeper Ben Alnwick, defenders Stephen Wright and captain Gary Breen, midfielder Martin Woods and striker Chris Brown. Stephen Caldwell will stand in for Gary Breen

One To Watch

Sunderlands striker's are misfiring, with Jonathan Stead still waiting for his first Premiership goal of the season. The one to watch this week will be left back/winger Julio Arca. His crossing ability and free kicks can potentially cause Wigan alot of problems.

Pundits Predictions

Surprise surprise, Mark Lawrenson has used Sunderlands manager situation to go for a 1-1 draw! He also did his trademark, saying how great Wigan have been in particular against United earlier in the week.

My Prediction

Sunderland will put up hard resistance that's for sure. They are still awaiting their first victory at home this season, yet despite this, i still expect the speed and power of Jason Roberts and Henri Camara to cause problems for Sunderland and our defence should be able to cope with the Mackems misfiring strikers.


Wigan 2 Sunderland 0