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Steve Bruce has admitted that the last two results have been a major boost to his sides confidence, in particular the 1-0 win over Bolton: "We've restored a bit of pride. Everyone produced the performance we have been wanting and needing, and i hope it will give everyone a lift."
Birmingham will be hoping to continue their recent upturn in form with three points at the JJB Stadium, but bad news for Birmingham fans is that they have only picked up two away victories this season and they were against fellow strugglers West Brom and Sunderland. As well as this, City have only picked up three draws as well, picking up a point at Fulham, Portsmouth and Liverpool.
A positive thought for Birmingham fans is that Wigan have now failed to win any home game since the turn of the year and are in desperate need of a victory in front of their own crowd, as the Latics seem to be relying too much on their great away form to keep their UEFA Cup hopes alive.
Another former Wigan boss John Benson, who is now director of football at St
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"I'm looking forward to coming back to Wigan, there's some lovely people at the club who i still see now."
Wigan will be hoping to spoil Bruce's and Benson's return to Wigan with a victory, and will have a fully fit squad to choose from, apart from injury prone Steve Mcmillan. Whether Paul Jewell sticks with the same starting 11 all depends on whther Henri Camara has returned from Senegal, he was given compasionte leave due to the death of his grandmother. There has been no word on his current whereabouts so it is a mystery at the time of writing whether it will be Johansson or Camara partering Jason Roberts up front.
Only other change could see Ryan Taylor on the bench after playing for the reserves earlier in the week.
Birmingham could be without nine first team players on Saturday, with Matthew Upson, Nicky Butt and Steven Clemence ruled out, whilst Mario Melchiot and Alex Bruce are also doubtful. Clapham, Gray, Izzet and Sutton are all doubtful but could still make the game.
Ones To Watch
Jermaine Pennat was the danger man at St. Andrews back in January, and i expect him again to be a threat down the right. Former England international Emile Heskey is a threat in the air (whenever on his feet) but has failed to show great form. Another major threat comes in the form of 6'4 foot tall Jiri Jarosik who is on loan from Chelsea. His long range shooting, eye for a pass and threat in the air could make all the difference.
Pundits Predictions
Sky sports seem to have a problem with us, or at least it seems that way. Not only in the past have they gone for heavy losses atthe hands of Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers, but Charlie Nicholas has gone for a Birmingham 2-1 victory.
In contrast, Mark Lawrenson has caught on that if he predicts a Wigan win that more times than not we fail to do so. He has gone for a 2-1 Wigan win.
My Prediction
It's a difficult one to call. Although i believe we will win, the fact that Birmingham are woeful away and in 2006 Wigan are poor at home spells out a boring 1-0 victory for Wigan. Yet something is telling me that this is the game that we will finally score more than one goal. And so, i believe Saturday will end:
Latics 2 City 0
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