Middlesbrough vs Wigan

29/1- Middlesbrough placed at the 12th spot on the points table get prepared to take on Wigan at home. Though Wigan are placed on the 17th place they have shown a lot of grit and determination in recent games and that is something that has pulled them out of the relegation zone. The notable fact however is that the difference between the two sides is just a couple of points and a victory for Wigan here could trigger them to a much higher spot on the points table. Out of the 5 matches played between the two clubs, Wigan has managed to win twice while on two occasions the match has ended in a draw. Both teams enter the match with almost an injury free squad and would be hoping to make the most of the match and this makes the match even more interesting. Middlesbrough drew their last week’s tie against Blackburn at home and now would be looking to gain some points against a lowly ranked team like WIgan but it might not be as easy as it sounds as even Liverpool could only manage a draw against the same side. A lot would be expected from the two players in front, Downing and Sanli both have contributed 4 goals each this season and if Middlesbrough want three points here both would have to contribute. The home crowd would be hoping to see their team win as this would help them to establish a comfortable position away from the relegation zone as they are just out of the zone by 2 points. Wigan on the other hand would be looking to put up a strong away performance; Bent has been superb with 7 goals this season. Their strategy would be to score early and defend it for the rest of the match but a firing Heskey can convert this into a winning match and possibly get the club into a comparatively safer territory. Prediction: 0-2, Wigan win