Match Preview - Will Manchester United stutter against Wigan Athletic before the all-important game against Chelsea?

Follow the live-coverage of the English Premier League encounter between Wigan Athletic and Manchester United!

With the return of the Premiership games, Manchester United travel to Wigan Athletic on Saturday, hoping to avoid any slip-ups before Tuesday's big one against Chelsea.

History points to a comfortable win for United. The two sides have met 12 times previously, and United have flawless record of 12 wins with an average of three goals a game.

It isn't a tie Wigan would want considering their position in the table. With 11 games to go, the Latics are battling relegation though unsuccessfully, having won just one of their last nine league games. Their manager Roberto Martinez believes another 13 points should help them stay out of trouble. However, that is quite a lot to hope for considering they face four of the top five teams in their next five games.

The tie takes unprecedented importance for United, as they go into the most critical phase of their season. This is the first of three consecutive away fixtures which includes a visit to a determined Chelsea side on Tuesday before a trip to Anfield to face a rejuvenated Liverpool over the weekend, and their performance could make or break their season.

Team News -

Wigan defender Emmerson Boyce will face a late fitness test after sustaining a hamstring injury while Callum McManaman is doubtful with a deep cut to his leg. Manchester United loanee Tom Cleverley is ineligible to play against his parent club.

United have a boost with Ryan Giggs available again after missing the Marseille draw along with Michael Owen who has recovered from a groin injury. However, Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans, Park Ji-Sung, Anderson, Valencia and Hargreaves are all injured.

Match Fact -

Manchester United, in their flawless record against Wigan of 12 wins in 12, have scored 37 goals and conceded just four. Wigan have scored just one goal in their last seven matches against United while last season's corresponding fixture ended in a 5-0 humiliation for Wigan.

Prediction -

Even a desperate Wigan side won't be much match for United who manager Sir Alex Ferguson will ensure are focused on the tie. 2-0 victory for the visitors.

Follow the live-coverage of the English Premier League encounter between Wigan Athletic and Manchester United!