Preview: Wigan Athletic Vs Aston Villa

Wigan have not won a game in four attempts, and have failed to win at home since beating Manchester City 4-2 on Boxing day of last year.Aston Villa have failed to win in four away games, losing their last three and drawing the other. Villa did pick up their first Premiership victory in six games this weekend, beating Birmingham 3-1.

One interesting statistic is that Aston Villa have only beaten one top half team this season, Blackburn, way back in August, when the Rovers had a slow start to the season.

The Latics have taken the lead in their last four games, but have failed to kill off their opponents. It is vital that the team as a whole starts to convert the chances created. A run of seven games without scoring more than one goal, hasn't helped maintain the push for a European place.

Jewell must decide who is best to replace skipper Arjan De Zeeuw

After seeing injuries clear up, Wigan now find themselves without influential captain Arjan De Zeeuw and club captain Mat Jackson, with Lee McChulloch facing a late fitness test after coming off at Newcastle when he felt sick.

Wigan manager Paul Jewell believes losing Matt Jackson and De Zeeuw for the season is a major blow to Wigans European hopes and was the major turning point for Wigan losing control of the game at Newcastle, eventually losing 3-1: "To lose them within a minute or so of each other, the rock-solid foundation of our defence, was a big blow."

Jewell has a few options to patch up his injury plagued back four. He could opt to play the four that finished the game over the weekend, that being Baines at right back, Ziegler at left back, and Chimbonda/Scharner making up the central partnership.

However, if Henchoz proves his fitness after recovering from a hamstring injury, he could find himself recalled to partner Sharner, as those two played together whilst De Zeeuw was injured in January and so would have a better understanding of each other.

Other changes could be made. Gary Teale may be recalled, as the Latics missed his pace on Saturday. Ryan Taylor could find himself in the team aswell. The midfield four will depend on whether Lee McChulloch passes his late fitness test. Jason Roberts is expected to take over as captain.

Aston Villa have a similar defensive crisis, with the Villanis deffinately without Laursen and Delaney, whilst their captain Mellberg is strugglign to make the game himself. Lee Hendrie is also a doubt for the game.

Ones to Watch

Strikers Milan Baros and Luke Moore are the key danger men along with wingaer James Milner. Milner terrorised the Wigan defence when Wigan faced Villa away from home, and if given the time and space, will do so again.

My Prediction

Surely we have to win at home sooner or later, and surely Henri Camara has to put in a good performance aswell. If he plays, and is on the top of his game, he should prove a nightmare for the Villains defence. However the same can be said abotu Milan Baros. If Jewell doesn't pick the right back four, he could cause many problems

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