n8rngtd.topManchester United will be hoping to keep the pressure up on rivals City by beating revitalised Wigan who will be keen to claim another top four scalp.
The Red Devil’s were at their imperious best on Wednesday night against Fulham lashing five goals in on the Thames without reply. Keeping the heat on their noisy neighbours is Sir Alex Ferguson’s main objective as they continue their attempts to wrestle top spot back from City. Wayne Rooney’s return to goal scoring form has been a welcome relief for United with the England striker continuing his renaissance with a stunning goal at Craven Cottage. Ferguson’s side have been superb since their derby day trouncing winning seven of their eight subsequent games and putting themselves right back in the title hunt. Despite losing a number of key players in the centre of midfield and crashing out of the Champions League at the group stages United haven’t let it affect them and they look primed to reclaim their place at the Premier League summit. Starting their assault at Old Trafford on Boxing Day against Wigan will set them up nicely going into 2012.
Beating the Latics might be a tougher proposition than it was a month ago with Roberto Martinez’s side holding Chelsea and Liverpool at the DW Stadium in consecutive games. At the start of November they looked dead and buried and nailed on for relegation following eight defeats on the spin. However a run of one defeat in six and nine points from a possible 18 has given them a real chance of survival going into 2012. Their chances of beating United at Old Trafford and moving out of the relegation will be slim but then again stranger things have happened. The slick passing and moving philosophy that has become their trademark under Martinez has finally started to pay dividends. Instead of staring down towards their impending doom Wigan are now peering upwards in hope that they can pull off yet another great escape. With players like Victor Moses, Mohamed Diame, Hugo Rodallega and Ali Al Habsi they certainly have a great chance of beating the drop once again. However they might have to wait until the New Year for it to get going.
Manchester United 2nd : 42 points
Team news: United’s injury woes continue to escalate with Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Young and Phil Jones all out of their Boxing Day clash with Wigan.
Key Player: Wayne Rooney
Rooney’s return to form has come at the best possible time with United shorn of inspiration during his barren spell. With the injuries starting to mount up at Old Trafford the England striker’s importance has reached new heights and he’ll be expected to provide more than just goals in 2012.
Wigan 18th : 14 points
Team news: Steve Gohouri and Emmersen Boyce are both doubts for the trip to Old Trafford meaning Roberto Martinez is likely to stick with the side that drew with Liverpool.
Key Player: Victor Moses
Despite scoring only once this season the young winger arguably been the Latics’ best player and will be keen to showcase his talents against United. His pace and skill could pose major problems to a back four beset by injuries.
PREDICTION
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United are imperious at the moment and have seemingly used their derby day humiliation as psychological fuel to propel them back into the title race. They should easily overcome a Wigan side still battling to beat the drop.
Score: 4-0
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