EPL: Wigan 0-1 Liverpool

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Wigan Athletic have succesfully applied to the Premier League to change the referee for this weekend’s game against Liverpool.

Wigan boss Chris Hutchings requested that original ref Steve Bennett be replaced. Bennett had officiated at a game between Wigan and Newcastle a few weeks back, when he reported the Wigan side to the FA for failing to control their players. This was in response to the sending off of Kevin Kilbane.

At the time, Wigan expressed displeasure at Steve Bennett’s conduct during the game.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Match preview

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez must decide if star striker Fernando Torres will start against Wigan on Saturday.

The Reds travel to the JJB Stadium swamped by footballing debate surrounding the rotation of Torres, who has begun the last two Premier League games on the bench, after he fired a hat-trick in Liverpool's 4-2 midweek Carling Cup win over Reading.

Wigan, though, will be keen to steal the spotlight as they bid to record their first victory over one of the Premier League's top four teams of Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.

The Latics have lost all 16 of their top flight meetings with the 'big four' in the two seasons since their promotion from the Championship.

Wigan boss Chris Hutchings has decisions to make regarding the fitness of Kevin Kilbane (ankle), Paul Scharner (Achillies) and Andreas Granqvist (foot).

Recovery

The trio all collected knocks in the 2-1 league defeat to Reading last weekend, but hopes are high they will be available.

Meanwhile, long-term injury absentee Luis Antonio Valencia is said to be well on the way to recovery following knee surgery and he has resumed training, but Saturday's game is thought to be slightly too soon.

Emile Heskey will miss the visit of his former employers as he continues his rehabilitation from a broken metatarsal.

Second guessing a Benitez starting XI is not the easiest of tasks, but captain Steven Gerrard should return to the starting line-up after being named amongst the substitutes against Reading.

Daniel Agger and Xabi Alonso both remain on the sidelines with foot injuries, which implies Javier Mascherano and Sami Hyypia will return having been rested for the trip to the Madejski Stadium.

Andrei Voronin should start up top, but whether he is partnered by the in form Torres remains to be seen.

Skysports

[Vargas_4]

This guys have to win this game. They've lost too many points already.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

True. Liverpool can't afford droping more points against average teams.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Wigan Team:
Chris Kirkland, Mario Melchiot, Emmerson Boyce, Titus Bramble, Kevin Kilbane, Paul Scharner, Josip Skoko, Michael Brown, Jason Koumas, Julius Aghahowa, Marcus Bent.

Liverpool Team:
Jose Reina, Alvaro Arbeloa, Sami Hyypiä, Jamie Carragher, Fabio Aurelio, Jermaine Pennant, Steven Gerrard, Javier Mascherano, John Arne Riise, Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Liverpool was a bit lucky today and had the referee on their side.

[NJ10]

Wouldnt say that at all. I havent seen their disallowed goal or penalty claim again, but we had plenty of dubious offside decisions go against us- particularly for Torres. We were the better side by a mile, should have been well ahead at half time but again the deadlock breaker wouldnt come. Torres was good, Kuyt wasnt. Gerrard was ok, nothing more. I expected more from him today.

Great goal from Yossi, real class. He was superb on Tuesday and again today.

Trouble on the terraces though, we were kept behind for an hour after the kick off cos of fighting in the home end. Appears there were a lot of wanker Reds in the home end causing shit, and it all got a bit scary at one point. There were plenty of bricks and bottles thrown at us as we were escorted down to the train station as well. Dont know what the fuck is going on there.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Their disallowed goal was not offside and it wasn't offside when Carragher made a penalty kick. Benayoun saved Liverpool as they couldn't afford to play another draw against a average team.

[Trim]

Class dribble, great goal from Benayon.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

YOSSI VOTED FANS STAR MAN V WIGAN

Supersub Yossi Benayoun was voted Liverpool's star performer during the 1-0 win at Wigan by the Reds fans who took part in an exclusive vote on this website.

The Israeli ace also took the Liverpoolfc.tv accolade.

After each game we ask you to pick the Reds' top three players - and we'll pick ours too.

The winner of each poll then gets three points, the runner-up gets two and the third best player gets one. At the end of the season the points are totted up to reveal our star performer.

Liverpoolfc.tv's top three players v Wigan

1. Yossi Benayoun. What a dramatic impact from the substitute! Benayoun scored a terrific goal and he provided Liverpool with a new attacking impetus when he entered the field.

2. Jamie Carragher. His will to win is fantastic and no wonder the supporters dream of a team of Carragher's. Carragher made some brilliant interceptions and was very solid throughout the game.

3. Fernando Torres. The Spanish striker was unfortunate not to score on the day but he was always a threat to the Latics defence.

Liverpool fans' top three players v Wigan

1. Yossi Benayoun. 1,427 votes.

2. Fernando Torres. 288 votes.

3. Javier Mascherano. 212 votes.

Source: Liverpoolfc.tv: Official Web Site