West Ham United v Wigan Athletic
Follow every kick as West Ham take on Wigan at Upton Park in the Premier League
on 24-Apr-2010, kick off time 15:00
- West Ham United v Wigan Athletic - LIVE
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Wigan Athletic eased their relegation fears with a remarkable 3-2 win over Arsenal last weekend.
At 2-0 down, the Latics looked set to be dragged further into the fight for survival but three goals in an amazing final 10 minutes put some distance between themselves and the drop zone.
Conversely West Ham succumbed to a 3-0 defeat against Liverpool on Monday to pile more pressure on the east London side.
Roberto Martinez's men have struggled on their travels in the league recently, keeping just one clean sheet and conceding 44 goals in their last 16 games away from the DW Stadium.
However, at Upton Park, the Irons have won just once in five games against Wigan, last season when they prevailed 2-1 thanks to a Dean Ashton brace.
Despite languishing near the foot of the table, West Ham have played against 10 men more often than any other team this season.
Eight opposition players have been shown their marching orders against Gianfranco Zola's men this term so Wigan will have to ensure they are on top of their discipline.
Wigan have conceded more headed goals (14) than any other side this season as well scoring a greater proportion of their goals through headers (30 per cent) meaning both goalkeepers will have to be on their toes when crosses come into the danger zone.
West Ham will welcome back Scott Parker for this clash following his suspension and they will also have Carlton Cole available after shaking off the knock he picked up against Liverpool.
Luis Boa Morte continued his comeback with a full 90 minutes in the reserves on Tuesday and he could make the squad for this game.
Central defender Gary Caldwell is back in contention for the Latics after completing a three-match suspension, but he may have to settle for a place on the bench due to the form of Titus Bramble and Steve Gohouri.
Hammers skipper Matthew Upson remains confident his side can avoid the drop, declaring: "I think we'll stay up. I've always said 'Yes' and I'll continue to say that. We'll definitely stay up. I'm confident.
"We'll have to be fully committed and do our jobs properly to get the points."
Source: DSG
