Preview: Stoke City vs Wigan Athletic

This game last year, a win was a must to keep us in the Premier League, this time round a win is a must again. Not to keep us up, but to keep us in pace with the rest of the league. Yet Stoke City is not really a place where getting a win will be an easy place.

Last season our win, was our first against them, since they joined the Premier League. Usually a draw is the best either side could hope from the matches that we play. Yet this time around I believe a win will be the result for either side.

Wigan go into this game, without any new injury doubts, yet they will go into the match without their first choice striker, as Connor Sammon will be missing from the game, even if the club can get together an appeal in time to over turn his red card.

Yet his absence from the game will not be that of much difference, Hugo Rodallega will surely return to the starting line up as our figure head striker. And we know what happened the last time Rodallega played against Stoke City.

There is also a possible return of Emmerson Boyce, you would hope that he would move into this weekends game to help strengthen a back line with some muscle.

Stoke go into the game with a new found form. After a shaky middle of the season, Stoke found their feet and are playing the football they know and love. Qualifying the the next round of the Europa League is also a big plus for the Yorkshire side.

Stoke of course are known for their strength and ability to hold the ball up and play with it. Yet they are not given the credit they deserve for being able to play attractive one touch football, which has helped them go onto such heights in Europe.

Stoke's man to watch for me has to be the big tall and lanky Peter Crouch, who has that nack of scoring important goals when they are needed. His goal scoring record is indisputably good, having scored almost a goal every other game for England.

Since joining stoke he has scored six goals in total and has really fitted into a strong front line alongside Jonathan Walters. Stopping Crouch getting the ball in the air, usually sees him go out the game, yet he is also good with his feet and can move when needed too.

It isn't going to be an easy game against Stoke. Yet they never are. With our new form and the style of play we are getting into, we should be able to get a win or at the very least a draw. Saying that i may just very well eat my words. Only time will tell and come Sunday I maybe in a very good, or very bad mood.