Sunderland V Wigan Match Preview

Steve Bruce welcomes his former club Wigan Athletic to the Stadium of Light this weekend, in what Sunderland fans view as a must-win game.

The Black Cats failed to capitalise on Monday night against a full strength Stoke side who held on for a 0-0 draw, in what was in truth, a boring match for the neutral. The result leaves Sunderland without a win since November.

Meanwhile, Wigan are without a point in their last two league matches, having lost at home to Everton in their last outing thanks to a late Tim Cahill goal.

Wigan are currently sitting a position below Sunderland in the table, with only two points separating the sides.  The last time the teams met saw Wigan scrape a 1-0 victory, in what was Bruce’s first return to the DW Stadium since leaving the club.

The Managers View:

In the build up to the game, Roberto Martinez has described Sunderland as having an “outstanding squad” and predicts a physical encounter from the off at Wearside.

“It was a big result last time, for both sides. Although their form hasn’t been great since they have an outstanding squad with great talent after big investment in the summer. Playing at home they’ll be full of intensity and physicality, which we’ll have to match from the very start.”

Steve Bruce has played down talk of Sunderland being in a crisis, and believes getting key players back to full fitness will be the key to turning results around. Bruce said: “One thing that wasn’t in question on Monday was the endeavor. We’re getting a few people back from injury at just the right time, and with a full healthy squad we’ll be okay.

“I expect Wigan to be open and expansive - it’s going to be a different type of game.”

Form Guide – Last six Premier League matches:

Sunderland: L D D L L D

Wigan: L D L W L L

The Latics have a decent record at the Stadium of Light, having won twice and drawn three times. The only time Wigan have left the Stadium of Light empty handed, was when a Daryl Murphy screamer secured a win in February 2008.

Key Men:

Sunderland:

Darren Bent – Sunderland’s top scorer this season, with a total of 15 goals in all competitions.

Wigan:

Charles N’Zogbia – The former Newcastle winger scored the winning goal the last time the sides met on Wearside, and the Frenchmen’s pace is a constant threat.

Team News:

Sunderland are without Anton Ferdinand (ankle), Kieran Richardson (calf) and Ghana International John Mensah (hamstring).

Mario Melchiot (neck) faces a late check for Wigan, and goalkeeper Chris Kirkland (shoulder) is definitely out.