Preview: Fulham vs Wigan

A Premiership relegation battle will ensue at Craven Cottage on Saturday as managerless Fulham host the improving Steve Bruce's Wigan. First team coach Ray Lewington and reserve team manager Billy McKinlay will take charge of the team for the clash.

Injuries and Suspensions

Fulham midfielder Jimmy Bullard is yet to recover fully after his knee operation but could be ready early next month.

The Latics have injury doubts in the form of striker Emile Heskey (ankle), midfielder Jason Koumas (groin) and striker Antoine Sibierski (thigh).

Bruce: We must beat our rivals

"If you can beat your rivals it will always help. Fulham will be saying exactly the same.

"The big bonus for us is that if we can beat them, and with the other games at the bottom, it's a possibility we can get out of the bottom three.

"That will be a huge thing going into the Christmas period."

Squads

Fulham (from): Niemi, Warner, Baird, Omozusi, Hughes, Stefanovic, Bocanegra, Konchesky, Davies, Davis, Murphy, Dempsey, Kamara, Kuqi, Healy, Bouazza, Leijer, Seol.

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

Eyefootball Premiership Predictor

FULHAM 0-1 WIGAN

An away win for Wigan may be on the cards, and Marcus Bent who grabbed a hat-trick last week will be hoping to continue his little run of form today.

Goalscorer: Marcus Bent