Premier League Preview: Wigan v Swansea

Wigan can move out of the relegation zone when they take on Swansea in a crucial encounter at the DW Stadium.

Roberto Martinez’s men are just two points adrift of
safety following their dramatic 3-2 win at West Brom on Saturday and, although
that gap will increase if Sunderland beat Stoke on Monday, they will pull out
of the drop zone with a victory by virtue of Newcastle’s inferior goal
difference.

Focusing on the job in hand will be key for the hosts, who could well
be distracted by their upcoming FA Cup final with Manchester City. However, if they can harness the same spirit they displayed in the triumph at The
Hawthorns, they will be confident of a vital three points.

A win would also secure them consecutive wins against a
side that has won just once since their victory in the League Cup final back in
February.

That sole victory came against Wigan’s
relegation rivals Newcastle, but Michael Laudrup’s side were much-improved in
their 0-0 draw with Manchester City on Saturday and have now kept clean sheets in two of
their last three outings.

History is also on Swansea’s side as Wigan have never
beaten the Welsh side in the Premier League and have amassed just four wins in
front of their home fans this term.

Pablo Hernandez and Michu were the scorers in Swansea’s
2-1 win at the Liberty Stadium back in October, but past results are unlikely
to factor in the minds of Martinez’s men, who are renowned for their
late-season heroics.

Callum McManaman could well be the danger man for the
hosts – the midfielder has netted twice in his last two games and provides them
with an extra attacking threat that is much needed at this stage of the
campaign.

However, one area where Wigan certainly struggle is at
the back, they have conceded the most goals at home of any team in the Premier
League.