Preview: Latics Vs Portsmouth

Seven victories, three draws and eight defeats from 18 home games have helped Wigan to cement themselves as one of the top ten teams in England. Although the weaker of the two home forms, seven victories at home is more than what West Brom could muster during the 2004/2005 season, their six wins all season seeing them survive.

De Zeeuw: Will miss the reunion with his former team

Sadly for their fans, West Brom look certain to be relegated back to the Championship, Portsmouth's recent revival being a major reason for their Premiership demise. Despite a poor start to his second spell in charge of Portsmouth, Harry 'houdini' Redknapp has miraculously turned round Pompeys fortunes, winning five of their last eight games, losing just one. Impressive 4-2 and 3-1 victories away at West Ham and Fulham help redict a tough task ahead for the Latics.

In contrast, Wigan have won just once in their last six Premiership games, a 3-2 victory at home, Wigan's first victory on home soil of 2006.

Wigan owner Dave Whelan believes Redknapp has had a major influence on Pompeys revival, and hopes that his team beat the drop: "You can't help but praise the guy. He's up there with the best, he has fantastic knowledge, he's just one remarkable fellow - a good judge of a player and I have a lot of time for him."

"We welcome him to the JJB Stadium on Saturday and I hope Portsmouth stay up - obviously, I want us to win but Pompey are one of the game's great old-fashioned clubs."

It shouldn't be forgotten that Pompey aren't safe yet. Despite their revivalthey are still on the edge of relegation, with Pompey and Birmingham swapping positions almost after each game. Victory over the Latics, and a defeat for Birmingham would guarantee survival, but if Wigan win, the relegation battle will go down to the wire.

Despite their perlous position, Portsmouth will be cheered on by 5,500

Roberts: Will hope to punish former team

Pompey fans on Saturday. It is no understatement that Portsmouth have a boisterous fan base and a fantastic away support, and so an electric atmosphere is expected from the away end, which will no doubt get the home fans going. Over 21,000 tickets were sold as of last Monday, meaning a guaranteed average attendance of 20,000+ for the season.

Pompey will have a full team to choose from, the at times unpredictable Lua Lua the only player doubtful. On the Wigan front, three players picked up injuries prior to the Fulham game, Paul Scharner and Damien Francis were deemed un-fit after breaking down in training, whilst Aussie John Filan had to undergo surgery on his groin.

Filan can feely especially dissapointed with his latest injury, as he was in contention for a place in the Australian world cup squad after mark Schwarzer was ruled out. Ryan Taylor is out for the season with his broken leg, whilst Skipper Arjan De Zeeuw will feel dissapointed, as his broken collar bone means he cannot face the club he skippered prior to re-joining the Latics.

Matt Jackson was the surprise inclusion against Fulham, afte being ruled out for the season with an ankle injury. He returned to the starting line-up, performing admirably in place of Austrian Paul Scharner and is expected to start against Portsmouth and Arsenal.

Paul Jewell is expected to stick with the same starting eleven, but like Fulham he could make changes. Andreas Johansson, Reto Ziegler and David Connolly could feature in some way. Roberts will hope to score against his former club.

Ones to Watch

LuaLua is a livewire in attack, and can be lethal from long range. Benjani has yet to score in 14 appearances for Pompey, and so is odds on to score his first goal on Saturday.

My Prediction

A difficult game indeed. Portsmouth must get something from the game, and out of desperation they could leave holes in the defence for Camara, Roberts and Teale to manipulate. However the same was said about the home game against Birmingham, which we drew 1-1. Being the optimist, Hopefully Wigan will silence the away end and get an early goal, which will knock the wind out of Portsmouth's team.

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