If Tottenham Hotspur are to enjoy the glamour of Champions League fixtures next season then they will have to be focused on the game in hand at the DW Stadium before their trip to Madrid on Tuesday.
Spurs are down to only two fit central defenders in Michael Dawson and Sebastian Bassong but their injury hit defence has been a running theme all season. With Wigan bottom of the pile in the Premier League, a victory for Spurs looks odds on despite not winning in their last 3 league games.
Harry Redknapp may choose to rest wingers Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale for the game against Real Madrid as both players are doubtful with hamstring injuries. It’s unlilkely that Tom Huddlestone will return due to a lack of match fitness since returning from the sidelines.
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Wigan on the other hand have no injury concerns despite 12 players being away on international duty. Roberto Martinez faces a tough task ahead if he is to lift the Latics off the bottom of the league and keep their Premier League status.
However, without keeping a clean sheet at home in their last 8 games and their poor scoring record it’s hard to see how they could overcome a tough Spurs side. They welcome back top goalscorer Hugo Rodallega who could cause a threat.
At the other end, Spurs striker Jermain Defoe will be looking to finally reveal his 100 goals t-shirt under his jersey as he boasts a 10 goals in 10 games record against Wigan. However, Tottenham have only kept one clean sheet in their last 16 away games this season which could be a cause of their injury hit back four.
Prediction: Wigan 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Watch Jason Cundy & Scott Minto on Scoreboard and see their pre-match predictions
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