Preview: Wigan vs Chelsea

Chelsea are on form at the moment and Chris Hutchings will be keen to get one over Avram Grant as the London side make the long trip to the JJB Stadium. The home side will be looking to avoid their sixth defeat in a row as Chris Hutchings’ side face the daunting task of taking on a ‘back in form’ Chelsea side at the JJB this Saturday.

Team News

Struggling Wigan are almost at full strength with Mario Melchiot, Denny Landzaat, Antonio Valencia and Antoine Sibierski all now back to fitness.

Marcus Bent (stomach bug) is doubtful but Michael Brown (thigh) has recovered and Emile Heskey (metatarsal) could return to face Tottenham next week.

Chelsea will be without defender Paulo Ferreira, who has been ruled out for up to six weeks with an ankle injury.

Wayne Bridge is back from suspension and will take over at left-back.

Squads

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

Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Belletti, Alex, Ben-Haim, Lampard, Obi, Essien, J Cole, Carvalho, Makelele, Sidwell, Malouda, Drogba, Shevchenko, Pizarro, Kalou, Wright-Phillips, Bridge.

Eyefootball Premiership Predictor

Wigan 0-1 Chelsea

It may be a case of "returning to old ways" as Chelsea have to pick up a very difficult three points at Wigan - who are no pushovers. Drogba has been a misfit of late, rumours of his resentment at joining Chelsea are not good for team morale. However, Drogba is one for the big occasion and showing up on the day, and will be the one for Wigan to stop here. Chelsea will escape with a 1-0 victory.

Score: 1-0 to Chelsea

Goalscorer: Didier Drogba