Preview: Wigan vs Portsmouth

Wigan midfielder Jason Koumas is in a race against time to be fit for the home clash against Portsmouth and maintain his ever-present record this season, Mario Melchiot should return after recovering from a thigh strain.

Wigan defender Emmerson Boyce insists the team must improve on last year's record of just five home wins if they are to steer clear of the relegation dog-fight.

He said: "We didn't pick up enough points at home and not killing games off from winning positions was a big problem.

"Obviously we survived last year but we don't want to be in the same position this time with it going down to the wire again.

"We have got to pick up as many home points as we can. We have to try to turn the JJB into a fortress and make it a place where teams know they are in for a hard time of it."

Portsmouth's Sol Campbell, who just returned after playing for England in the Euro 2008 Qualifiers, has not trained since returning and Noe Pamarot is on standby whilst Hermann Hreidarsson faces a late fitness test.

Wigan (from): Kirkland, Melchiot, Granqvist, Bramble, Kilbane, Brown, Scharner, Skoko, Koumas, Sibierski, Bent, Aghahowa, Boyce, Cotterill, Hall, Olembe, Taylor, Valencia, Landzaat, Pollitt.

Portsmouth (from): James, Johnson, Distin, Campbell, Hreidarsson, Utaka, Davis, Diop, Muntari, Kranjcar, Benjani, Pamarot, Nugent, Taylor, Lauren, Traore, Pedro Mendes, Ashdown.

Eyefootball Premiership Predictor

Wigan 0-2 Portsmouth

It's all go at the JJB as Wigan will face a strong Portsmouth side. Kranjcar will be the key man in this game as he looks to make the killer ball the the frontmen.

Prediction: Portsmouth win

Goalscorer: Nico Kranjcar