Preview: Roy's boys in town

Although the league table can't be taken seriously at this point of the season, no doubt Sunderland fans will notice their side occupying a Champions

Sib hopes to make it three goals in three

League spot.

Under Roy Keane they have beaten Tottenham at home, whilst also drawing 2-2 with fellow promoted side Birmingham City.

More impressive is their ability to score late goals; Chopra scoring with the final touch to beat Spurs, John equalising against Birmingham.

Wigan meanwhile, have been playing fast, attacking football. More importantly, the use of long ball has lessened, with Hutchigns preferring to play a passing game.

For many, Saturday's game is more than just another Premier League match. The managers clashed throughout the summer over left-back Leighton Baines - Keane accussing Hutchings of making bids public - whilst make-shift left-back Kevin Kilbane spent three years at Sunderland before his switch to Everton.

Koumas: Difficult to mark

Flavour of the month, in Sunderland anyway, Michael Chopra must do battle with his former team-mates Titus Bramble and fellow striker Antoine Sibierski.

Like Chopra, Sibierski has started the new season in fine form, scoring two goals. And despite limping off on Wednesday with cramp, he is expected to partner Emile Heskey up front.

The Heskey/Sibierski partnership is catching the eye, with midfielder Paul Scharner excited at his sides attacking options.

Scharner said: "Sibierski has got two goals n his first two game - but all the new signings have impressed.

Koumas is really difficult to mark and is always looking for that shooting opportuniy. In midfield it's a joy to play with the like of Sibierski and Heskey, because you play the ball into their feet and you get it back."

Hutchings has a selection headache for Saturday. Michael Brown, suspended thanks to a sending off picked up at Fulham, is back in contention. The former Fulham skipper may have to contend with a place on the bench after Wednesday's impressive performance.

Emmerson Boyce is still out, but Andreas Granvqist has been very impressive.

Sunderland are without Carlos Edwards, with former Wigan striker David Connolly in contention for a starting berth up front with Michael Chopra.

Ones to Watch

Michael Chopra has shown he is a clinical finisher, taking his two goals brilliantly.

Pundits Prediction

Mark Lawrenson believes Wigan will be physical at home and will win 2-1 in an entertaining encounter.

My Prediction

Sunderland will play to win, which will mean an open, attacking game. I have a feeling there will be many goals in this game.

Latics 3 Sunderland 2 (Sibierski, Heskey, Koumas)