Live Football

Wigan Athletic will be in search of maximum points on Saturday when they host an improving Everton side in the Barclay's Premier League. Wigan have just one win in their six matches in the Premier League with two draws and three defeats. Everton are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League fixtures including winning three of their last four matches. The Latics find themselves just two points above the relegation zone while Everton is in the top half of the table in ninth place on 29 points. Kickoff between the two is set for 15:00 local time at the DW Stadium in Wigan, England.

Sloppy goaltending from Vladimir Stojkovic in his Premier League debut and questionable defence led to a 2-1 defeat during the midweek for Wigan against Blackburn. After Stojkovic misjudged the flight of the ball on a free kick, Morten-Gamst Pedersen fired into the upper corner to give Rovers a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute. Gary Caldwell equalised for the Latics in the 58th minute when he headed into Blackburn's net, but sloppy defending would lead to Nikola Kalinic snatching the winner for Blackburn in the 76th when he headed in to hand Wigan a 2-1 defeat. Everton scored twice in the first 20 minutes against Sunderland during the midweek to pick up a victory and extend Sunderland's skid. Gary Cahill struck in the 7th minute and Landon Donovan scored his first Premier League goal in the 19th minute to give the Toffees all they needed for a 2-0 win.

Wigan captain Mario Melchiot is expected to miss this weekend's fixture after leaving the match during the midweek with a neck problem. Vladimir Stojkovic will be in goal again for the Latics as Chris Kirkland continues to recover from a collar bone injury sustained last week during training. Mikel Arteta made his long awaited return to the pitch for Everton during the midweek, coming in off the bench and could figure in Saturday's match as well. Everton have no fresh injury concerns. Everton and Wigan have clashed only 10 times prior in all competitions, with Everton having won six while Wigan have two victories and two matches ended all square. Wigan have only beaten Everton once in their four attempts in the top-flight, a 1-0 victory in November 2008.

Everton is quietly climbing back up the Premier League table and with his full roster available to him, David Moyes' side is beginning to live up to expectations. The Toffees are currently ninth in the league and could move closer to taking a European spot with a victory. Wigan need wins to help avoid falling into the drop zone. While they currently have a two point cushion and couldn't fall into the drop zone this weekend with a loss, it would present an uphill battle for them the rest of the way to avoid relegation.