Premier League preview: Wigan v Stoke

Wigan will be aiming to win consecutive games in the English Premier League for the first time this season when they host Stoke on Saturday.

Roberto Martinez’s side scored an upset victory over Liverpool at Anfield last week to move within one point of safety, and are now unbeaten in three matches after draws with West Brom and Norwich.

The last time they won back-to-back matches in the league was the final two games of last season, when they beat West Ham and Stoke to ensure their top-flight survival.

A similar win over Stoke this season could have the same effect, with the potential to move as high as 17th with just seven matches left in the campaign.

Wigan have also been given some good news on the injury front, with Victor Moses, Hugo Rodallega and Mohamed Diame all in line to play on Saturday after making quicker than expected recoveries.

Moses took a Martin Skrtel boot to the face in the win over Liverpool, but scans have revealed the Nigerian does not have a broken jaw and could take his place at the DW Stadium.

“The results came back really positive and there was no fracture which allows us to treat him,” Martinez told the club’s official website.

“We will see within the next few days whether he is available for selection on Saturday.”

For Stoke, Saturday’s match represents an opportunity to snap a winless run which has seen them take just two points from their past three matches.

However, given that run has been against top-five sides Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City, Tony Pulis’ team could be forgiven, particularly after leading against Spurs and City only to settle for draws.

“We can take a lot of belief from this week – the three games that we’ve played, and the performances that we’ve put in,” defender Jonathan Walters told the club’s official website.

“We have to take that into the final games of the season now and hopefully end the campaign in style.”

Striker Peter Crouch scored one of the goals of the season last week against City, volleying home from 30 yards after spotting goalkeeper Joe Hart off his line.

The beanpole striker has scored four goals in his last seven appearances for Stoke, and will prove a handful for the Wigan defence alongside Cameron Jerome or Kenwyne Jones.

Stoke are also well placed with injuries, with only Salif Diao and Mamady Sidibe unavailable.