Preview: Wigan vs Villa

Wigan's motivating 1-0 win over Newcastle last weekend could be enough spark to help them get another victory over Aston Villa today. Villa have not won in five; drawing three and have lost two.

The Lowdown

Aston Villa have never beaten Wigan in a league fixture and Wigan began the Christmas programme with a 1-1 draw at Fulham, then beat Newcastle 1-0 at home.

Injuries and Suspensions

Wilfred Bouma (ankle) and Stiliyan Petrov (virus) could be missing, Jason Koumas (groin) is a major doubt whilst Zat Knight is suspended which could see Curtis Davies make his first Premiership start.

Squads

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

Aston Villa (from): Carson, Mellberg, Davies, Laursen, Bouma, Petrov, Reo-Coker, Barry, Young, Agbonlahor, Carew, Taylor, Moore, Maloney, Cahill, Gardner, Harewood, Osbourne, Berger, Salifou.

Eyefootball Premiership Predictor

WIGAN 1-0 ASTON VILLA

Wigan will pick up another helpful victory against Villa at the JJB Stadium despite Emile Heskey being unavailable.

Goalscorer: Esteban Valencia