Preview: Wigan vs Blackburn

Wigan must overcome a battling Blackburn if they are to move from 19th place, but Blackburn have only won 1 in 6. An excellent, open game is expected, while Wigan look for a first win in six home league games.

Injuries and Suspensions

Wigan are boosted by the return of striker Julius Aghahowa from a toe problem. However, striker Antoine Sibierski is doubtful but Emile Heskey is fit.

Defender Titus Bramble has recovered from a virus and set to return to the starting line-up.

On the other hand, Mark Hughes is delighted to have David Bentley and Ryan Nelsen back after suspension.

Hughes: Wigan are tough

"It's up to us to work extremely hard at the weekend to overcome a Wigan side who are obviously having a poor season.

"We've got to go there and perform as we have done in most of the games we've been involved in.

"We've discussed what targets we're after in terms of points over the Christmas and new year period and the players know exactly what I expect."

Squads

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

Blackburn (from): Friedel, Emerton, Nelsen, Samba, Warnock, Tugay, Mokoena, Reid, Bentley, Dunn, Pedersen, Santa Cruz, McCarthy, Roberts, Brown, Savage, Berner, Derbyshire, Khizanishvili, Treacy.

Eyefootball Premiership Predictor

Wigan 0-1 Blackburn

Wigan have yet to show any sort of consistency since Steve Bruce arrived, but Blackburn on the other hand continue to improve and move up the Premiership. Away victory.

Goalscorer: David Bentley