DESPERATE TIMES

Sunderland welcome Wigan to the Stadium of Light where both sides will be looking to end their poor form.

Steve Bruce's side have failed to win in the league since victory over Arsenal in November, picking up just four points in 10 games and now hovering dangerously above the drop zone.

Wigan have been equally as poor and enter the game on the back of their shock FA Cup defeat to League Two Notts County but boss Roberto Martinez is confident they can bounce back.

"We have the right characters and when you have that it gives you a chance to react in the right manner," he said.

"We have had real lows and disappointments this season and we have always reacted in the right way.

"We have that feeling we can't wait to get on the pitch again."

New Sunderland signings Benjani and Alan Hutton go straight into the squad but full-backs John Mensah and Phil Bardsley are both struggling to overcome hamstring injuries.  

Victor Moses could make his debut, but fellow new signing Marcelo Moreno is still awaiting international clearance and is unlikely to be available.

Sunderland will see this as an ideal opportunity to net a vital three points and home advantage should give them the edge to secure the win.  At 11/10 (Generally) a Sunderland win is worth a punt to ease the pressure on the North East outfit.

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Published 06-02-2010

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