Preview: The Latics Vs Spurs

With Wigan just three points above 18th place, and a difficult match against Liverpool at next weekend (damage limitation), it is crucial that the three

Heskey: Scored in two consecutive games

point cushion remains.

It is shaping into one of the tightest relegation fights in recent years, with only Watford practically doomed for the trap door. And with Fulham panicking into sacking Chris Coleman, it seems wih five games to go they will be dragged into an unwanted fight.

The good news (or is it bad?) is that by the time the Latics kick off on Sunday (1:30pm, Sky sports one) they will know, more or less, what is needed from them.

With Fulham and Charlton playing away (on Sunday also), the former at Reading and the latter at Everton, and with Sheffield United and West Ham facing off on Saturday, it could mean Wigan need just one point to move above Fulham.

Worst case scenario could see Charlton, Fulham and (more importantly) Sheffield United winning, which would close the gap on the bottom three to nil points.

Added spice to Sundays game sees the return of former defender Pascal Chimbonda, who can expect a hostile reception, not only from the fans, but

Jackson in "i won't cripple Chimbonda vow"

from the players also; especially Lee McCulloch and Matt Jackson who apparantly had to be restrained after that incident.

Let's see him write a letter out of that situation.

As ever, Matt Jackson has taken a calm approach to the former bastian mans return: ""It's probably fair to say Pascal didn't handle it too well last summer, but it's over now as far as I'm concerned.

"We've just got to see him as an opposition player, try and stop him playing, and hopefully we can get three points on Sunday."

We all knowwhat he means really.

On the subject of defenders, Jacko is one of few certain to be fit for Sundays game. Team captain Arjan De Zeeuw is still a doubt with a back injury, whilst Fitz Hall and David Unsworth are both 50/50 after picking up knocks over the Easter weekend fixtures.

Paul Scharner could return to centre back, meaning a recall for Josip Skoko, whilst forgotten man Andreas Gramqvist could also make a very rare appearance.

Ones to Watch

Tottenham are blessed with great strikers. Robbie Keane, in my opinion is one of the best around, but it has been his partner Berbatov who has hit the headlines. Jermaine Defoe is an obvious threat.

Pundits Prediction

Sky sports believe a backlash from Spurs falling out of Europe this week will see them win 1-0, although Matt Le Tissier believes different. Mark Lawrenson
beleives tottenhams fixture pile up could see us run out 1-0 winners.

My Prediction

Blind faith time. We need a victory from somewhere, especially with Liverpool next week.

Latics 1 Spurs 0 (Chimbonda own goal?)