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Like Hull City, Stoke have taken to Premier League life quite well with famous wins over Arsenal and Aston Villa and securing a draw away at Liverpool.
Everybody has been talking about their main danger man Rory Delap and rightly so. The long throw has been used to perfection by Stoke and it has got them results.
They are not all about the throw ins however, they are a strong, physical side who will give 100% every game, fighting and challenging for every ball.
Arsene Wenger has accused Stoke of deliberately injuring his players but tough tackles are part and parcel of the game and Steve Bruce will know that come Saturday there will be a hot atmosphere inside the JJB Stadium.
Both sides are known as physical teams and it will be a good old fashioned clash between two rivals. The last time Stoke was in Wigan, the match was in the Coca Cola Championship with Stoke stealing a 1-0 victory against Paul Jewell's side.
After a poor October, Wigan got back to winning ways away at Portsmouth with Emile Heskey scoring a late winner to bag all three points. This will give the side confidence going into the weekend fixture with Bruce hoping for back to back victories.
Wigan Team News
Erik Edman turned out for the reserves midweek but is still short of match fitness, Lee Cattermole is available after doubts he could not play due to suspension.
Cattermole's red cad against Sunderland means he is on 4 yellow cards. Bruce is expected to name the same side which beat Portsmouth with no new injury concerns meaning no place for Paul Scharner, Olivier Kapo and Kevin Kilbane.
Jason Koumas should continue behind Amr Zaki and Emile Heskey.
Predicted XI
Kirkland
Melchiot Boyce Bramble Figueroa
Valencia Cattermole Palacios
Koumas
Heskey Zaki
Key Players for Stoke City
Thomas Sorensen - Has taken a couple of knocks in the past few games but the experienced keeper was a good addition to the Stoke squad. Brave and agile, the former Villa man is a good 'keeper.
Abdoulaye Faye - The former Bolton and Newcastle man has done well since arriving at Stoke and has added grit and determination to the City back four. Has great height and can win most balls in the air.
Rory Delap - Has one of the most dangerous weapons in the Premier League with that missile like throw. Creating 7 assists this season, any throw in Stoke get in the Wigan half is sure to cause an attacking threat.
Ricardo Fuller - Has Premier League experience from his time at Portsmouth but it seems he is more settled in the North West with his best spell at Preston a few years ago. Can create something out of nothing and is another one who will have to be watched due to the aerial threat.
Prediction
A game which is sure to see a few bookings in what should be a fiery encounter. Stoke have the ability to score a goal from the long throw and will be high on confidence but without an away win in the league this season I predict Latics will grab a win to push them up the table.
WAFC 2-1 SCFC
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