Manchester United v Wigan Prediction

Resurgent United to march on

Manchester United v Wigan Prediction:

Monday 26th December 2011, Barclays Premier League: 15:00

Author: Thomas Rooney 22/12/2011

Manchester United host Wigan on Boxing Day looking to maintain their fine run of form since crashing out of the Champions League.

The Premier League Champions’ involvement in Europe’s elite competition was over after the 2-1 defeat to FC Basel earlier this month and there is no doubt that United’s season could have gone either way after this.

They were out of the Champions League, adrift from Manchester City in the Premier League and not having the best of times overall. However, they have won their three games since defeat in Switzerland and appear to be close to their best form.

United are getting goals again too. They have scored nine goals in their last two games, including five at Fulham last time out. Wayne Rooney is in form too – he has scored four in his last three outings – and all things considered, it appears that they are back to their best in front of goal.

This is ominous for Wigan of course and Manchester United will be aiming for another convincing win. They targeted maximum points from their December games to put pressure on Manchester City and at the moment, they are on track to do just that.

They do have a few injuries – Phil Jones and Ashley Young both picked up knocks at Fulham for example – but they will hope that they have enough to continue winning games.

As for Wigan, they have had an excellent couple of weeks too. Looking at their fixtures going into December, many expected them to be cast adrift at the bottom of the table.

However, they have secured home draws with Chelsea and Liverpool as well as winning their last two away games at Sunderland and West Brom respectively.

This means they are still a point adrift from safety, but to be within touching distance of 17th position after the run of games they have had is a commendable achievement.

Whether they can continue this resurgence against Manchester United though is another matter. However, because of the points they have picked up recently, the pressure really is off as they head to Old Trafford.

The Latics play Stoke City and Sunderland after this, so perhaps these will hold higher significance in their battle for survival. However, they will want to put on a good performance to avoid too much damage to their positive momentum over Christmas.

There is no doubt that United are favourites to take home the points though and it seems fair to say that this is a step too far for Roberto Martinez’s men.

Match bet: Manchester United on the Asian Handicap -2 @ 1.800 with Bet365 - (Ł200 free bets)

Correct score prediction: Manchester United 3:0 Wigan @ 8.2 with Betfair