WIGANER.net Liverpool Preview

A member of the 'Top 4' travel to the JJB on Wednesday night for the first time since August as Rafa Benitez brings his title chasing Liverpool side to the JJB looking to stay

Liverpool have surprised a few people this season but have seemingly been underachieving. Dropping points at home to Hull City, Stoke and Fulham among others has cost Liverpool many points yet are right in the hunt for the title with 4 months to go.

For many seasons, Liverpool have failed to live up to the expectations of previous title winning teams and remain the only side from the 'Top 4' to not have won the Barclays Premier League. This season is the closest that Liverpool have come to lifting the title and will be desperate to be crowned champions in May.

Many Liverpool fans say that Fernando Torres' absence due to injury has hampered the progress of the side this season, yet currently in 2^nd place, Liverpool must now be taken seriously. Robbie Keane has been very inconsistent, yet remains a threat as always. Benitez has been rotating Keane since his arrival from Tottenham in the summer and is still waiting to win over the famous Liverpool Kop End.

After back to back defeats in Manchester, Wigan boss Steve Bruce knows that his side face another stern test but after having a good 10 days rest, the squad should be fit and raring to go. A lot of transfer activity has taken place in those 10 days with the club saying goodbye to Wilson Palacios and Emile Heskey to Tottenham Hotspurs and Aston Villa respectively bringing in a total of £17.5m.

Bruce has used these funds to purchase Ben Watson from Crystal Palace for £2m who has signed a three-and-a-half year deal, Hugo Rodallega has eventually put pen to paper and is now officially a Wigan player and Mido has joined the club on loan from Middlesbrough until the end of the season.

Steve Bruce has only on injury concern for Wednesday's game with Antonio Valencia hoping to be fit after suffering from a hamstring strain in the defeat to Manchester City. Ben Watson and Mido go straight into contention after joining the club and Hugo Rodallega should be on the bench once he receives international clearance. Daniel de Ridder will be hoping to be given a start after impressing from the bench against City while Titus Bramble is suspended after collecting 5 yellow cards for the season. Emmerson Boyce should step in.

Predicted Line Up

Kirkland

Melchiot Boyce Scharner Figueroa

Valencia Cattermole Watson Taylor

Mido Zaki

Pepe Reina- The Spaniard is the number one choice for Liverpool and is one of the best 'keepers in Europe. Is known as an expert in saving penalty kicks.

Jamie Carragher- Carragher has fought his way into the Liverpool first team after coming through the academy and has not looked back since. The former England defender has become a rock at the heart of the back four at Anfield and is still one of the best in the league in his position.

Steven Gerrard- A lot has been made of the incident involving Gerrard and the trouble at the night club. A fair bit of stick will be directed at the captain but beware, This is more than likely going to spur him on and have a fantastic game. World class in every department.

Fernando Torres- Has been troubled by injury this season but is back to full fitness and will be a constant threat. Torres will want to start hitting the goal trail again and Scharner and Boyce will have to be at their best.

Get ready for an entertaining game under the floodlights. Both sides will be up for it so expect attacking football. Wigan went close at Anfield earlier this season and this will give the team confidence. This match could finish in a score draw to end the back to back defeats for Wigan.