Wigan v Manchester United: Bruce to Upset Old Manager Fergie?
One win and Manchester United will claim their tenth Premier League title (unless Chelsea get a cricket score against Bolton!). The odds look good. United have never dropped a point against Wigan in their history. That’s right, not a single point. Job’s a good ‘un then, right? Oh I do hope that doesn’t jinx them!
While it is true that Wigan have never taken a point off United, it should be noted that the two teams have only met six times. In those six encounters, Wigan have scored 3 but conceded a sizable 20. Their defence is in reasonable shape at the minute though with two clean sheets from their last two games including the containment of Villa’s recent firepower last Saturday.
Feeling the Pressure
Avram Grant hit the nail on the head when he said the pressure is on Sir Alex and his boys. While Chelsea have to ensure they win their game, United past record against the Latics means they are expected to win and with such a level of expectation comes an immense level of pressure.
I remember writing the Blackburn v Man Utd preview a few week’s back and when it came to giving my prediction, I summed it up by saying Manchester United don’t do pressure. And look what happened there; they required an 88 minute goal from Tevez to rescue a precious point. I guess pressure happens to the best of us.
Wigan - leaving the rest in their wake!
Wigan’s unbeaten run is now up to five and boasts results against Chelsea, Tottenham and Villa. They have managed to keep three clean sheets out of those five, scoring six, conceding just 2 and picking up 9 points in the process. It’s a current form that more than holds it’s own against United especially when you consider the teams the Latics encountered along the way.
United have actually earned less points than Wigan from their last five games - 8 from 15. Like Wigan they’ve managed two wins but unlike their opponents here they have been on the receiving end of defeat - that loss against Chelsea a severe blemish on their form guide. However, in true Manchester United style, they bounced back the following week with an emphatic win against Barcelona and a master class against West Ham. In short, the sign of true champions.
Pundit’s Pick: Ten’s the magic number (away win). Do you agree with this for your Premier 10 prediction? Play Now>>
Tags: Latics, Manchester United, Premier 10 match preview, Premier League football, Wigan Athletic
