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The fight for safety begins this weekend and ex Evertonians Matt Jackson, David Unsworth and Kevin Kilbane, current plying their trade at Wigan, will hope to put one over their former pay masters.
Chris Kirkland and Emile Heskey will also hope to thwart the Toffees, due to their past experiences in Merseyside derbies whislt playing for Liverpool.
Jacko is back in contention after missing out on playing against Chelsea, and will fight David Unsworth, Fitz Hall and Andreas Granqvist for a starting berth.
As well as the added incentive for the above, the Wigan players are desperate to end a losing streak that stretches six league games.
Winger 'Killer' Kilbane believes there is enough quality at Wigan to pull through the current plight, and hopes to help put one over his former team-mates.
He told the Official Website: "I'm convinced, as are the rest of the lads, that there is sufficient quality and character in this dressing room to pull through this sticky patch and put a bit of a run together that will see us climb back up the table."
Another fact is that the Latics have also not won at home since the 3-2 victory over struggling Charlton, way back in mid-November.
Since then, Wigan have lost five and drawn one at home, and have scored just two goals during that period, both scored by Emile Heskey against Chelsea.
Everton's form has been eratic, with the Merseyside outfit finding it difficult to put a run of results together. In their last five games, they have won two,
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Their away form has also been poor, winning just twice on the road, losing five and drawing four.
Jewell can welcome back right winger Valencia for Sunday's clash. With Gary Teales move to Derby County, a lot is hanging on Valencia's shoulders, especially due to David Cotterill not being an out and out winger.
Jewell however says he is unsure whether Valencia will start, or make do on the bench:" Whether or not he plays, I'll decide in the next day and a half but it's great to have Antonio back in the fold."
He added: "He's a player who can make something happen. He's worked hard to get back to fitness and there's no doubt we've missed him. It's another body in there who will add competition, which is exactly what I want."
Long term injuries to Paul Scharner and Henri Camara mean the pair are expected to miss out this weeked. Ryan Taylor will continue on the bench at least after recovering from a horrific year of injuries.
Lee McCulloch is still available, despite rumours surrounding his future and a rejected transfer request.
Ones To Watch
Midfielder Tim Cahill, despite still not fully fit from an injury, is still a danger, as is star striker Andy Johnson, who snubbed a move to Wigan in the summer.
Pundits Prediciton
Mark Lawrenson has gone for Wigan to edge this game. Lawrenson has gone for a 2-1 Wigan victory. Sky Sports beleive Everton will benefit from returning players and will win 2-0.
My Prediction
Forever the optimist, i am hoping we can shade this game and pull ourselves out of this mess.
Latics 1 Toffees 0
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