Blackburn v Wigan - Preview

The Latics head into their penultimate game of the campaign knowing a win will guarantee their safety, and in the process send rivals Blackburn Rovers down.

Following last weekend's emphatic victory against in form Newcastle, Roberto Martinez and his men will be very confident of securing their first ever victory at Ewood Park.

Victor Moses 

The Spaniard has a fully fit squad to choose from but is likely to stick with the same XI that saw them put their fate firmly in their grasp. Franco Di Santo is set to lead the line with Shaun Maloney and Victor Moses supporting.

James McCarthy is set to play despite announcing today, the terrible news that his father is fighting a cancer battle, which has seen him pull out of the Irish Euro 2012 squad.

Having lost on their last five visits to their near rivals, the Latics will be keen to ensure that their battle to avoid the drop, does not come down to their home clash with Wolves on Sunday.

The clash at the DW back in November, proved to be one to remember in a 3-3 classic, with Yakubu controversially scoring a penalty deep into added on time. 

Despite their agonising last gasp defeat at Fulham the Latics have confidence on the road picking up more wins than they have at home throughout the season.

A run of five wins from their last seven outings have sparked a remarkable turn around in form for the club and they know a point will virtually guarantee survival. They have the additional cushion of a greater goal difference than Bolton, who currently occupy the final spot in the bottom three.

Blackburn need a miracle if they are to avoid the drop, even 6 points from their final two games is unlikely to see them escape, with results elsewhere having to go their way in order to do so, plus a drastic change in the goal difference will also be required.

James McCarthy 

As for the Latics they know that a point from their final two clashes will ensure safety and they will go all out on the final Monday night clash of the season to set up a party atmosphere for Sunday’s final day clash.

With a reported 3000 Latics set to make the short trip to Ewood Park, they will be in full voice, as Martinez's men look to end another poor record as they have done at Anfield and the Emirates in recent weeks.