Manchester United Looking for a Response Against Wigan Athletic

Manchester United will go into the Premier League clash against Wigan Athletic looking for a dramatic response after scraping a point from Aston Villa.

After a hearty display last week against Aston Villa to draw 2-2, United will be looking to push on for three points in the comfort of their own back yard. Blackburn Rovers will follow Wigan before the club travels away to Blackpool.

Three victories in these games will put United in a very strong position near the top of the table. A best price of four to one on for a United win will be seen as an expensive but easy way to make money.

Wigan could not face a more difficult task. United haven’t lost in the league since last April and the Red Devils have won every single meeting between these two clubs. However, Wigan boss Roberto Martinez will stress the importance of a win, which would push Wigan further away from the relegation places. For anyone who believes Wigan can take a win from this game a best price of 16/1 is available.

Striker Wayne Rooney should make his return to the Manchester United team for this game although a start from the substitute bench looks most likely. Rooney has trained alone in the United States to get himself fit for this contest and will be very determined to put the bad press he’s been made to endure into the past.

Rafael is still out of action after suffering a dead leg during the 0-0 draw at Manchester City. Nani has been declared fit and should start down one of the flanks while Ryan Giggs, Anderson, Owen Hargreaves, Antonio Valencia and Michael Owen all remain out with long-term problems.

Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov seem the most likely forwards to start in the United attack. Dropping Hernandez for Rooney would be an extremely harsh decision on Sir Alex Ferguson’s part considering the positive role the Mexican has played since he arrived at the club. Hernandez is a tempting 4/1 to score first despite the fact Rooney is priced much shorter at 10/3.

United will look to Paul Scholes to pull all of the strings in the middle of the team. Scholes is one of the most creative and experienced players at the football club and United will need the ginger maestro to dictate the tempo of the game to make sure there is no threat that Wigan could steal even a point. Scholes is a best price 9/2 to score at any time during the match.

Ferguson has voiced his frustration over the number of draws his side are getting despite United’s long unbeaten run. He will be looking for an emphatic victory that will send out a message to the rest of the Premier League. If United get a goal early then a cricket score could quickly develop. A 4-0 United win looks a good option at a best price of 11/1.