United v. Wigan – Lancashire derby preview
Bruce to return
By Chris,
January 14 2009
Sir Alex Ferguson will be desperate for his side to pick up three points on Wednesday as they host Wigan Athletic in one of our games-in-hand. Steve Bruce, however, will return to Old Trafford in an optimistic mood with his Latics side enjoying a reasonable run of form at present. It promises to be an interesting Lancashire derby at the Theatre of Dreams.
United go into the game five points behind the table-topping Scousers with two crucial Premier League matches in-hand.
Three points for the Red Devils will see us leap-frog Chelsea into second-spot following Sunday's 3-0 demolition over Luiz Scolari's clueless Pensioners.
Fergie will be troubled by a defensive crisis ahead of the game.
Wes Brown is still out with an ankle problem, whilst Rio Ferdinand's back injury keeps him in the treatment room. The United boss will also be without Patrice Evra after the French international hobbled out of Sunday's game with a damaged foot.
John O'Shea looks set to replace Evra, whilst the impressive Jonny Evans will continue to partner Nemanja Vidic at the heart of the defence. Meanwhile, Sir Alex must decide whether to keep Gary Neville at right-back or put Brazilian teenager Rafael Da Silva back in the starting line-up.
Fergie must also decide whether to make changes to his midfield. The United boss raised a few eyebrows by playing Darren Fletcher and Ryan Giggs in the middle of the park on Sunday - but both were instrumental in the convincing win.
Wigan, who could put themselves just seven points behind United and the Champions League spots with an unlikely win, travel to Old Trafford boasting six wins from their last seven outings. Bruce is expected to make no changes from the side that won 1-0 against Spurs on the weekend.
A win for United would leave us in a superb position ahead of another Lancashire derby - with Bolton awaiting the Red Devils on Saturday afternoon.