West Ham United v Wigan Athletic: match preview

Posted Saturday, November 27, 2010 by

West Ham United v Wigan Athletic: match preview
West Ham United manager Avram Grant

Saturday, November 27

West Ham United v Wigan Athletic
Upton Park
Kick-off: 15.00 GMT
TV: Highlights, BBC1 Match of the Day.

West Ham United (Probable, 4-3-3): Green; Jacobsen, Upson, Gabbidon, Ilunga; Kovac, Noble, Boa Morte; Piquionne, Cole, Obinna.

Wigan (Probable, 4-2-3-1): Al Habsi; Stam, Gohouri, S Caldwell, Figueroa; Thomas, Diame; N’Zogbia, Gomez, Cleverley; Di Santo.
Referee: Mark Halsey. Matches: 8. R1 Y22.

Tale of the game

Last season, in April, West Ham lost 3-0 at Liverpool before beating Wigan 3-2 at Upton Park, a victory that effectively saved the Hammers from relegation. Following the 3-0 defeat at Anfield last Saturday, hopes are high that they can repeat the victory.

But Scott Parker, whose winner earned them the win last season, is a doubt after missing the defeat at Liverpool with illness.

By their own admission, this is a ‘must win’ game for West Ham with the pressure of manager Avram Grant. If West Ham lose, or even draw, the Israeli’s position could be under threat. His assistant manager, Zelijko Petrovic, has already been sacked.

West Ham’s results have been poor: they have won just once, against Spurs in September. Since then they have played eight games, though they have lost only three of those eight, drawing the remaining five.

Manuel da Costa (ankle) and Valon Behrami (hip) are also doubts for West Ham, while Jack Collison, Zavon Hines, Peter Kurucz and Thomas Hitzlsperger are long-term absentees.

Wigan, though, are under strength with both Antolin Alcaraz and Hugo Rodallega suspended following their red cards during the 2-0 defeat at Manchester United. With Gary Caldwell also missing, Wigan are short on defenders. But Tom Cleverely, ineligible against his former club at Old Trafford, is available.

Last season: Wigan 1 West Ham 0, West Ham 3 Wigan 2.

Stat of the game: West Ham (11) and Wigan (10) are the too lowest scorers in the Premier League.

Betting tip: Sorry Hammers. Go for a 0-0 draw, at 11-1.