Wigan will be hoping Saturdays result, kick off 12:45, will also be contrasting
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Despite not registering a victory over their more illustrious neighbours, the Latics were unlucky not to win at home last season, when Jewells team out-fought and out-played the Red Devils, only to lose out to an own goal from a now ex-Wigan player.
Manchester United have started the new season in fine form, despite not strenghtening as much as their fans had hoped. Their biggest signing was Michael Carrick for £18.5million, with the only other new signing being Kuzsack from West Brom. United also lost their prolific goalscorer Ruud Van Nistelrooy.
Despite the lack of transfers by Sir Alex, the return of Ole Gunnar Solksjaer has been a welcome boost for United, and Wigan captain Arjan De Zeeuw knows he will be a threat on Saturday.
"It's good to see Ole Gunnar Solksjaer back from injury, he's a great pro and a very good player, but he's very difficult to play against."
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Compared to United, Wigan have been very busy in the transfer market, bringing in eleven new players. Despite the quality that Jewell has bought, it is obvious by the Latics poor start to the season that they are struggling to adapt to one another.
Dutch ace Denny Landzaat has been poor as of late, and Jewell will be hoping he will finally come good against their more illustrious rivals. The manager could be tempted to bring back Lee McCulloch, after the big Scot built up his fitness with two run outs for Scotland. Fellow Scot Gary Teale could get a surprise recall after terrorizing France during his second half appearance.
Fitz Hall has recovered from his virus, and should return at the expense of club skipper Matt Jackson. Jewell will make a late decision whether to give a game to defender Andy Webster.
Manchester United will be without Gabriel Heinze, Mikael Silvestre and Park Ji Sung, but winger Ryan Giggs could return to test the dodgy Emmerson Boyce.
Ones To Watch
Its the old story, when a player is having a slump of form they usually come good against Wigan. Benjani anyone? With that in mind, Wayne Rooney will be a danger man IF he plays. Sir Alex may go for Saha and Ole Gunnar, who will both cause their fair share of problems up front.
Pundits Predictions
Unsurprisingly, Sky Sports have gone for a 3-1 United victory, whilst Mark Lawrenson has gone for a 2-1 Manchester victory. Wigan as underdogs? Just the way we like it.
My Prediction
I have a good feeling about this game. I don't think we will win the game, but a draw is deffinately on the cards.
Latics 1 Manchester United 1
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