Official Boothen Roar Match Preview: Stoke v Wigan

Last updated : 21 May 2011 By Dan Buxton

The Potters welcome Wigan to the Britannia Stadium in Sundays big Premier League game that could see the Latics relegated, even with a victory over City. 

Stoke sit 9th in the Premier League but will be looking to win so as to improve on last seasons points tally and finishing position, whilst also keeping their hold on a top ten position. The visitors are sitting seven points behind Stoke in the league and are ten places lower in the top half.

Stoke have a very good home record this season and have already beaten fourteen sides at the Brit, and have only four defeats, also being unbeaten in 11 home games. The Latics have won three times away from home in the league this season but have lost eight times away aswell.

In the 12 matches between these sides at Stoke, the Potters have won 7, the visitors 1 and four have been drawn. Stoke haven't lost to Wigan since promotion, winning twice and drawing four times in the last six encounters. Overall Wigan have won 5 times to the Potters 10 victories. 

The referee is Andre Marriner. He reffed Stoke in their 2-1 home defeat against Manchester United, 2-0 home win against Everton and  the 3-0 away defeat against West Ham this season. He has refereed Wigan four times this season, in their 0-0 home draw with Tottenham, goalless draw at Bolton, 1-1 home draw with Sunderland and 2-0 away defeat at Fulham.

The Met Office report that there will be light showers, temperatures of a mild 14 degrees celsius, excellent visibility but a steady 15mph wind, with gusts of 35mph.

Prediction: The Potters take an early lead through Jones and Walters doubles before the break. Wigan hit back after the break but, despite N'Zogbia pulling a goal back, the Potters hold on for a victory