Preview: Dowies Addicks make it Four in a Row?

Last updated : 10 November 2006 By Liam Cooper
Although only bottom on goal difference, the 'mighty' Newcastle above them in 19th place also with 8 points, Iain Dowies Addicks have had an-inspiringl start to the new season; they are yet to register an away victory, losing four of their five away games.
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However despite being joint bottom, Charlton have had an upturn in form of late, going five games unbeaten, albeit two of those games being in the Carling Cup.

Wigan manager Paul Jewell admits Saturday will be a tough game, and believes, under Iain Dowie, Charlton will continue to find their feet and pull themselves out of the relegation zone soon.

"I have no fears about Charlton as far as Iain Dowie is concerned, they may be bottom but there is not much difference between us and them."

"The lower half of the table is going to be very tight anyway this season. I am pretty sure the situation will be changing from week to week and the likes of Charlto, ourselves and plenty of other clubs will be looking over their shoulders."

Wigan themselves were fourth from bottom three weeks ago, but after three convincing victories, including a very sweet victory over rivals Bolton, has hauled them away from the bottom
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three, although Charlton are only six points behind.

Nine points from nine has been a brilliant tonic to Wigan's early season blues, but it was the three clean sheet which pleased Jewell the most: "Those three clean sheets are the most important thing, it is a fairly obvious statement but if you don't concede goals, you don't lose matches."

Wigan's back four is expected to be unchanged, with Fitz Hall still out through injury. Andy Webster will continue in his stead, whilst left-back Leighton Baines will want to show England coach Steve McClaren what he's missing, after snubbing the left-back for the friendly against Holland.

Striker Emile Heskey is expected to miss out, with Scotland International Lee McCulloch (scorer of the goal that downed Bolton) is expected to take his place. Jewell will also decide whether to start with David Cotterill (who impressed greatly) or bring back Antonio Valencia.

Charlton will give late fitness tests to Myrhe, Rommedahl and Traore ahead of the weekends game.

Ones To Watch

England striker Darren Bent has proven he isn't a one season wonder, scoring six of Charlton's seven Premiership goals. Other than Bent, it is difficult to find other dangerous players, althoguh Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is always a threat from long range.

Pundits Predictions

Sky Sports have gone for a 2-0 Wigan victory, whilst everyboy's favourite pundit Mark Lawrenson believes Charlton will continue their improvement, coming away from the JJB Stadium with a 1-1 result.

My Prediction

In typical Wigan fashion, they will most probably make hard work of Saturday. We tend to take points from teams we might not expect, and struggle against the bottom clubs. A tight game, but a Wigan victory i believe.

Latics 1 Charlton 0