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Stuart Pearces Manchester City have had an inconsistent start to their campaign, with results ranging from winning at home 1-0 against Arsenal, then following that up with a 1-0 defeat away at Reading. Despite inconsistency, Man City sit 12th and four points clear of Wigan.
Man City go into Saturdays derby without an away win in four attempts, with City losing three of those. Wigan have won just one game in their opening seven, that being at home when Emile Heskey scored the winner to sink Reading.
Despite his side falling to their heaviest defeat of the season last week, Paul Jewell took positives from the game, with Leighton Baines current form being one of few positives so far this season.
The young left back scored his first league goal of the season from a brilliantly worked free kick, something Jewell hopes to see more of from the Wigan youth Product.
"Leighton has got a lovely left foot and it was great to see his goal go in, he has a big future."
"You'd have to ask Steve McClaren about his international chances, but he's the Under-21s left-back and he might have a chance of being in the squad, with Cole missing the next qualifier. There is a long way to go before that, and Leighton has to concentrate on playing well for us and improving."
Although Leighton Baines has impressed this season, Jewell has warned his
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"We have good competition for places, and that makes my job harder. I don't like making too many changes, but we can't keep getting beaten every week and not change things." Jewell told the Wigan evening Post
It is unlikely those changes will happen this Saturday, but players like Denny Landzaats position will be under scrutiny if he doe not put in a good performance this Saturday.
Jewell may be tempted to mess with the wing positions, especially after Gary Teales poor showing last week. Luis Valencia and Lee McCulloch could therefore find themselves back in the first team.
Manchester City have numerous injury concerns ahead of the weekend, the biggest worries hanging over Demarcus Beasley, Darius Vassell and Nicky Weaver. Weaver in particular has been inspirational in goal for City and would be a major miss should he fail to pass a late fitness test.
Ones To Watch
Joey Barton is always a danger, as he showed last season when he dragged his side from 4-1 to 4-3, giving the Latics an almighty scare. The greek striker Samaras is a handful at front and Wigan will have to closely as will Micah Richards at set pieces.
My Prediction
Manchester City have a poor away record this season, and I can see another entertaining, high scoring game on the cards like last seasons 4-3 Boxing Day clash.
Latics 3 City 2
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