Preview: Wigan Athletic Vs Manchester United

Dave Whelans Dreams will be realised this Sunday

But if United thought Wigan were going to Cardiff just to make the numbers up, they will be in for a surprise.

Dave Whelan, the man who made it all possible, said: "We are not going to Cardiff to enjoy the day out and savour what will be a marvelous occassion."

He added: "We mean business. People keep asking me, Can we really do it? Why not? We won't be easy pickings for United, that's for sure.

Sadly,easy pickings is what we were the last time we played United on a cold Wednesday night in December. Wigan succumbed to their heaviest defeat for two years, losing 4-0. On that night, Jewell reluctantly had to adjust his squad after injuries took their toll.

"I rotated the squad (against United) and it wasn't the strongest line-up, but come Sunday- If everyones fit- it will be a different team"

Different it will be. Injuries have now cleared up and the squad looks a lot healthier, aided by the four new signings made in the January transfer window. Only long term absentee Ryan Taylor and David Thompson, who is inelligible, having played for Blackburn in the Carling Cup. David Connolly and Steve Mcmillan have returned to training.

There are places for grabs up front, on the left hand side and the starters for the centre of midfield and defence are still not clear . Two goal hero Andreas Johansson is expected to miss out up front, with Jewell reverting to the Roberts and Camara combination that has worked wonders this season.

Rooney will be the Danger Man

Although there may yet be a place for him on the left hand side of the midfield. Johansson is fighting it out with McChulloch and Ziegler for the start on the left of midfield. Centre back and central midfield are not decided yet as Jewell might use Henchoz's injury as a reason to drop Scharner back to give the defence more pace through the centre, and that will enable him to bring Bullard back into the middle and put Teale on the right.

Whatever team Jewell chooses, it will have to be at its very best to beat a United team that although not as strong as it once was, still contains great attacking talent.

Ones to Watch

You can take your pick from Christiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs, Van Nistelrooy and Rooney, although for me, Englands boy wonder Wayne Rooney will have to be at his industrious best on Sunday. Van Nistelrooy, the master of movement in the penalty area, will have to be tightly marked as well. United will be without Alan Smith, Paul Scholes and Gabriel Heinze, and will no doubt miss their ex captain, Roy Keane who excelled in these games. John O'Shea is back in contention and might be asked to start in the defensive midfield role.

Pundit's Predictions

As usual, Mark Lawrenson has gone for us to lose this game 1-0, again saying we have had a great season, but will come unstuck. However, if his past predictions are anything to go by, we win more than he says we are going to lose and so this might be seen as a good omen.

My Prediction

This game will be won in midfield. United's midfield is the weakest it has been for many years, and if we can dominate the midfield, cut off the supply to the United strikers, there is no reason why we can't come out on top.

Latics 2 - United 1