Filed under: Wigan, Wolverhampton, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: MOLINEUX, SATURDAY DECEMBER 26, 2010. KICK-OFF: 1500 GMTMick McCarthy can feel the hands of relegation clawing away at his throat after spending most of the season down among the dead men in the relegation zone.
The Wolverhampton manager, sick and tired of being in the bottom three, believes the festive period will prove crucial in his bid to navigate the club towards survival for the second successive season.
This game has all the markings of the old cliche 'six-pointer', while Wolves also face relegation rivals West Ham on New Years Day, so McCarthy is acutely aware that the next few days could shape their season.
He has attempted to employ mind games by warning the teams above him that "the thought of dropping into the bottom three is absolutely dreadful" - and he should know, after spending most of the season near the foot of the table.
Wigan already have a psychological advantage going into this game after a surprise raid at Molineux last season that ultimately played a major part in securing their own safety. They also defeated Wolves earlier this term and continue to prove a nightmare for the pools panel.
Either team could lift themselves out of the relegation zone with a victory so the portents are promising for a good old-fashioned relegation scrap. It probably won't be pretty, but McCarthy has been pleading with his players to learn the art of winning ugly for weeks now.
Key Match-up: Kevin Foley v Charles N'Zogbia. Foley never falls below the 6/10 mark and has once again proved to be a model of consistency in a difficult campaign. He has been deployed on the right of defence and midfield and will be key in quelling the threat of N'Zogbia. The Wigan winger seems to insist he is leaving every week but remains one of Roberto Martinez's key men.
Form Guide: Wolves have won their last two home games and sorely need to secure a hat-trick to boost their survival hopes. Wigan showed they have the steely qualities required with a battling draw at Everton a fortnight ago but have still only won once away from home this season.
Odds: Wolves 11/10, Wigan 13/5, Draw 23/10
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