WIGANER.net Manchester United Preview

Manchester United have been quietly going about their business this season, though as quiet as they have been, consistent is another key word for United. Drawing only once at home this season to Newcastle United, Old Trafford has been turned into a fortress.

Cristiano Ronaldo has picked up award after award in 2008 and was named Fifa World Player of the Year in Zurich on Monday night. Ronaldo has been in fantastic form and takes most of the headlines but the United squad is littered with talent and Sir Alex Ferguson has the luxury of leaving Carlos Tevez, Nani and also Anderson on the bench in some games because of the depth and quality of the team.

Wednesdays game will see both sides coming into the game having won their previous match with United beating watched title challengers Chelsea in what was rumoured to be 1,000,000,000 people throughout the world. The game which kicked off before the title clash was the Wigan Vs Tottenham game which was televised live on Sky, as was the Manchester United Vs Chelsea game.

Wigan snatched a late winner through Maynor Figueroa and made it five successive home wins and can face United knowing they have accumulated 31 points after 20 games. Normally the 40 point mark is the cushion but with the league as tight as it is this season, 45 points is being touted as the safety mark. If Wigan can reach this mark soon, there is no reason why the club cannot push for a European place.

Steve Bruce could name the same side which faced Tottenham on Sunday. Chris Kirkland, Emile Heskey, Mario Melchiot and Amr Zaki all played the full 90 minutes after recovering from injury and should start at Old Trafford. Erik Edman is back in contention for a starting place but will have to settle for a place on the bench with Figueroa bagging the winner on Sunday.

Kirkland

Melchiot Scharner Bramble Figueroa

Valencia Palacios Cattermole Taylor

Heskey Zaki

Key Men for Manchester United

Edwin Van Der Sar - The Dutch 'keeper is one of the Premier Leagues finest and does a fantastic job in organising his back four. The experienced stopper will prove to be a tough nut to crack if Wigan are to score.

Nemanja Vidic - The centre back is one of the best defenders in the world and has really grown during his time at United. Strong in the tackle, good in the air and also a threat on set pieces, Vidic is sure going to have to be on his game if he is to deal with Zaki and Heskey.

Cristiano Ronaldo - The world player of the year is going to be a threat as always. An all round player who is technically gifted, good in the air and known for scoring spectacular set pieces. Cattermole will definitely want to keep Ronaldo quiet if given the job of looking after him.

Wayne Rooney - The former Everton striker is one of the hardest working Premier League strikers in the world, his goal scoring record could be better but has a habit of scoring against Wigan. Can turn a match around on his own and will be a threat as always.

Prediction

A game where the experts will back United to the hill but it will be a very different game compared to the previous visits of Wigan to Old Trafford. Despite Wigan giving a battling performance, United should edge it but Wigan are due something against the champions.