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Portsmouth away from home is not an easy game for any team, especially considering the South Coast team are unbeaten in their first three outings, with an impressive seven goals to their name and are yet to be beaten at the back. However, Wigan do play better away from home, setting up a potentially back and forth game at Fratton Park.
Whilst Campbell and James have had great success at the back, Nwankwo Kanu (a summer capture from West Brom) has preformed admirably up front for Pompey, scoring a creditable four goals making him the early pace setter for strikers.
It was a busy deadline day for Jewell and Co also. Pompey favourite Svatoslav Todorov signed on loan minutes before the midnight deadline, while £2million was paid for the talented 18-year-old Steve Cotterill from Bristol City. Kevin Kilbane completed the days business, signing from Everton for a fee believed to be £2million plus.
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The decision surrounding Todorov dissapoints the Wigan boss, who is a huge fan of the Bulgarian international: "I've always liked Todorov, and while he hasn't got the pace of Emile and Henri, he's a goalscorer and will be a good addition to the squad.
"He has two goals already this season so is our leading scorer without kicking a ball for us!"
This leaves Jewell with two fit strikers, Heskey and the inexperienced Cotterill. Not the one for sentiment at times, Jewell could be tempted to throw Cotterill in at the deep end, but could choose to play McCulloch up front, if passed fit that is.
That would leave a problem on the left as Kevin Kilbane is suspended due to the two yellows he picked up at Tottenham. Valencia and Cywka can both play on the left wing, bringing the fit again Gary Teale back on the right hand side. This would certainly give Wigan width, and is a better option than playing Heskey as a lone striker.
Chris Kirkland is expected to continue his great start to the season, despite a back problem forcing him to pull out of the England set-up.
Portsmouth are practically full strength, with only new signing Manuel Fernandes injured and Pedro Mendes passed fit after his horrific incident involving Ben Thatcher.
Ones to Watch
Redknapp has bought wisely, bringing in experienced strikers Kanu and Cole, whilst Campbell, a surprise signing, can be dangerous at set pieces. New winger Roudolphe Douala has plenty of pace and will be a danger on the wing. The aforementioned Kanu is in the form of his life, and will have to be tightely watched by former Pompey favourite Arjan DeZeeuw.
Pundits Prediction
Mark Lawrenson, not a favourite with many, has gonefor a 1-1 draw between the sides, not a bad shout.....
My Prediction
Portsmouth is not an easy place to go and win, yet Wigan succeeded in that last season. Although i can't see a repeat of that score, Pompey have improved greatly since then, i believe Saturday will be a good game, with both teams getting a share of the points.
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