Preview: Three in a row at Upton?

When it comes to Wigan and Premier League rivalries, they are abit short on the ground. There is no game which has the magnitude of a Meryseside, Manchester or London derby.

A midas Hutch: Gaffer wants three wins in three

Bolton is the closest due to close proximity, but even that is hard to call a heated rivalry. Manchester City is similar. Matches in the lower divisions threatened the start of a rivalry which never quite got going.

However, this season is a little different. Thanks to an Argentinian striker and a very close shave with relegation, West Ham and Wigan, despite the 200 plus mile distance, have something of a rivalry building.

Granted it is hardly a match to be watched by millions but to the sides involved, recent events have made it more personal.

Starting with a Briane Deane header which denied Latics a play-off spot in the old Division one, it continued a year later as both sides were promoted to the Premiership. Both sides enjoyed similar succesful first campaigns, with last season both fighting relegation.

It was the arrival of Carlos Tevez and the dispute over third party ownership and Wigan Chairman Dave Whelans constant criticism of the Hammers which

Boyce returns: but probably on the bench

meant when fixtues were released, both sides looked to when they would have a chance to exact some revenge on the other.

Going into Saturdays game, Wigan are boosted by the return of defender Emmerson Boyce. Yet with Granvqist and Bramble keeping two clean sheets out of a possible three, Boyce may have to do wth a place on the bench.

Hutch is expected to continue with the same winning formula, with Heskey and goal a game hero Sibierski leading the line. He could be tempted to play Boyce at left-back, allowing Kilbane to move to left-midfield which would mean Koumas could play a more central role.

Koumas knows how important an early away victory is: "We're looking forward to it - it's another one we can win. The quicker we get an away win under our belts, the quicker it takes the pressure off everyone."

Wigan have a great record at Upton Park winning their last three matches there with West Ham remaining unbeaten at the JJB Stadium.

Ones to Watch

The often injured Kieron Dyer is creative but it is the returning Dean Ashton, once a target of Wigan, who will cause the biggest threat.

Pundits Prediction

Many go for a West Ham home win, with Mark Lawrenson going for a 2-0 home win.

My Prediction

I can see a few hard tackles and deserved point for the Wigan men.

Hammers 1 Latics 1 (Koumas)