Sunderland vs Wigan

9/2- Sunderland are struggling to keep themselves out of the relegation zone and placed at the 16th spot on the points table they are in no comfort zone. Just a couple of points away from the dreaded zone there are many other teams that are trying to keep away the bottom three spots as well. This week Sunderland will play hosts to one such team that is equal on points with them but are a position better due to a better goal difference, Wigan. The visitors have themselves emerged out of the bottom three with a lot of grit and determination and now would be looking to stabilize their position away from the relegation zone. Though Wigan have not done anything major away from home but they can do it this time with the home side, Sunderland, having almost their entire mid field on the injury list and unavailable for selection. The last time both these teams met which was earlier this season, Wigan thrashed Sunderland 3-0 playing at home.
Sunderland go into this match after a thrashing defeat in an away tie against Liverpool last week. Jones and Chopra would be the two players to watch out for from the home team but a strong defense would be required against an attacking team like Wigan. Sunderland would also like to see to it that they can try and press for a victory as a win could take them away from the relegation zone.
Wigan have been making a strong statement in the second half of the season, though they have not been outright dominators but a shift from the performances in the earlier half of the season is evident. They have won their last tie against West Ham and would be looking for another victory under their belt.
Prediction: 1-2, Wigan win