DW Stadium
|
|
|
Sunderland will travel in high spirits to the DW Stadium to take on Wigan on Tuesday following their last-gasp victory over Premier League leaders Manchester City at the weekend.
The Black Cats sneaked a controversial 93rd minute winner at the Stadium of Light courtesy of Ji Wong-Don, who was a fraction off-side when played in behind the defence.
However, the goal would stand and the three points remained on Wearside, with Martin O’Neill’s men climbing to 13th place.
Wigan, meanwhile, find themselves in the thick of the relegation battle, with Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Stoke leaving Roberto Martinez’s men 18th in the standings.
Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill will hand a late fitness test to defender Wes Brown, who picked up a groin problem in the 26th minute of their clash with the Red Devils.
Matt Kilgallon came on for the injured Brown and is ready to deputise once again, if needed.
Fellow defenders Phil Bardsley (thigh) and Titus Bramble (Achilles/calf) are rated as major doubts for Tuesday’s clash.
Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet will keep his place in goal despite having to wear a face mask to protect his broken nose and fractured eye-socket.
Fellow shot-stopper Keiren Westwood will miss out again with a virus, along with long-term injury victims Michael Turner, Connor Wickham, Fraizer Campbell and Craig Gordon (all knee).
Midfielder Kieran Richardson also missed the victory over Manchester City with a virus and his fitness will be reassessed close to kick-off.
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez will have to make do without the services of captain Gary Caldwell, who misses out with a one-match suspension.
Steve Gohouri is expected to deputise in the absence of Caldwell, while Conor Sammon is pushing for a recall after being consigned to the bench on New Year’s Day.
Defender Emmerson Boyce will definitely miss out with a hamstring injury.