Latics V Bolton Preview

Since the early 1980’s, this fixture is the one most keenly awaited by Wigan Athletic fans. The close proximity of the two clubs forged an enmity in the furnace of the lower leagues that remains undiminished amongst the glitz and glamour of the Premier League.

The precarious predicaments of these two Lancashire rivals adds an extra spice to what is always a wonderfully heated derby, which should see the noise levels raised a decibel or two, as normally sane supporters lose their cool in the heat of the moment.

Bolton’s resting of their first team for the UEFA cup tie against Sporting is seen by some as a sad indictment of the Premier League’s clubs attitude toward their loyal support, but it means Wanderers have a full and rested squad to bring to the JJB.

Not as this will faze the Latics players, who have expressed their keenness to avenge the 4 – 1 defeat at the Reebok in December, in addition to pushing today’s opponents closer towards the trap-door.

Currently lacking fire-power, Latics fans are hoping Marlon King can break his duck and repay Steve Bruce’s faith in signing him from Watford. Emile Heskey has looked stiff recently, but with Marcus Bent suffering a knock and Antoine Sibierski not fully match fit, Bruce is relying on Heskey and Bent to prevent his team from drawing a third successive blank in the goals scored column.

Latics (from): Kirkland, Melchiot, Scharner, Boyce, Edman, Valencia, Brown, Palacios, Koumas, Heskey, King, Bramble, Kilbane, Sibierski, Taylor, Pollitt, Aghahowa, Bent, Olembe, Skoko.

Bolton (from): Jaaskelainen, Nolan, Davies, Taylor, Diouf, Gardner, Campo, A O'Brien, McCann, Steinsson, Hunt, Samuel, Meite, Cahill, Giannakopoulos, Helguson, Teymourian, Vaz Te, J O'Brien, Al Habsi.

Referee: Steve Tanner