Sport

After a goalless first half Carl Winchester scored his first of the season with a curling 20-yard shot before Liam Kelly’s precise free-kick secured the points for the Latics.

City are currently two points behind Chelsea in the Premier League and play host to the Gunners at The Etihad on Sunday.

Dale triumphed 4-1 thanks to Ian Henderson’s double and strikes from Scott Tanser and Calvin Andrew as teen star Callum Camps pulled the strings in midfield, helping to move the club up to fifth in League One.

After 21 league games Manchester City sit second on 47 points, two points behind leaders Chelsea. 12 months ago Manuel Pellegrini’s mob had the same number of points and were one point and one place behind pacesetters Arsenal.

De Gea has been in blistering form this term and now his partner Edurne Garcia is set to represent Spain at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in May.

Manager Keith Hill has had a productive week, penning deals with Reuben Noble-Lazarus and Febian Brandy having already secured the services of defender Ashley Eastham ahead of their clash with Crawley Town.

Wigan are still searching for their first three points in 2015 and have only won once in their last twelve games as they prepare to welcome Blackburn Rovers.

Sale have picked up just two points in Europe this campaign as they prepare to face Clermont Auvergne but last week showed their capability to challenge anyone by comfortably beating Premiership holders Northampton 20-7 in the league.

United had been touted as potential title challengers during their 11-match unbeaten run over the Christmas period but are now 12 points behind leaders Chelsea.

League Two Bury have prided themselves on developing young English talent and remain in the promotion hunt, sitting 13 points behind leaders and Saturday’s opponents Wycombe, despite lacking their own training facilities.

Welsh international Flower received a six-month ban following his sending-off in the Trafford showpiece for a double-punch on St Helens’ Lance Hohaia.