Preview: Latics lock horns with Watford

In fairness, Wigan have not had the easiest of fixtures over the festive

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schedule, playing Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United and Arsenal; a freakish recurrence which saw the Latics take on those same four opponents this time last season also.

Injuries have also taken their toll on Paul Jewell's squad, with Henri Camara and Paul Scharner both notable first team absentees, while Skipper 'Arry De Zeeuw is struggling to be fit for Saturday's match with the Premiership's bottom club.

But before us Wigan fans put Saturday's game down as an away day banker, it has to be pointed out that Watford are not an easy team to face, and do tend to grind out a lot of draws (1-1 draw at the JJB Stadium in this return fixture remember?)

Watford have drawn eight of their 19 games, winning just one, but the majority of people who have watched Watford are all unanumous in slamming the tactics Hornets boss Aidy Boothroyd uses, those being to hoof it long, and be strong in the tackle.

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And despite being rooted to the bottom on just 11 points, Boothroyd feels his tactics are working...think again mate. That said, Saturday won't be easy, and Wigan will need their players to be on top form and will miss our bruisers Scharner and McCulloch in midfield, the latter will serve his third and final match of his ban.

Manager Paul Jewell knows that due to injuries and fatigue, he has had to play tinkerman with his squad: "We changed the system a bit against United, switched one or two players around, and hopefully we will benefit from that.
"For Saturday, maybe de Zeeuw will be back.

"But Lee McCulloch is still suspended while Henri Camara and Paul Scharner remain injured. We are really stretched at the moment, although we just have to get on with the job."

Along with De Zeeuw, it is expected that Denny Landzaat and Josip Skoko will return to the starting line-up, with Svetoslav Todorov and Emile Heskey continuing up front.

Ones to Watch

Winger Ashley Young has been getting rave reviews as a winger/striker, and will be a potent threat to Wigan.

My Prediction

I think it will rain lots and end up being postponed aroudn the 55th minute, with the score at 1-1 (what? this hasn't been changed!)