Preview: Wigan target Wounded Wanderers

There is increasing signs of optimism in the Wigan camp building up to this weekends hotly anticipated derby. The Latics have beaten both Manchester City and Fulham to drag themselves away from the bottom three; and within three points of eigth place Liverpool.

Heskey passed fit for Weekends clash

Boltons have mad their best ever start to a Premiership season and currently sit third in the table. Previously the Wanderers held an unbeaten home record, without conceding a single goal.

This however, came to a crashing halt last weekend when Wayne Rooney scored a hat-trick in Manchester Uniteds 4-0 rout away at Bolton (How fun that was to watch).

The Latics are abit of a bogey team for Sam Allrdyces team. The third placed outfit failed to beat Wigan in three attempt last term, losing two and drawing one (at the Reebok).

As well as six points from two games for Wigan, the Latics team (which has at times included seven new players) has finally began to gel. Right back Emmerson Boyce, after a dodgy start, has put in a string of fine performances, while strike partners emile Heskey and Henri Camara have shown some good signs.

Paul Jewell has ssent out a warning to the rest of the Premiership regarding duo Camara/Heskey: "One area we needed to improve last season was our scoring, and Heskey and Camara possibly need to get 12 goals each."

Jewell also told the manchester evening news:"They are more than capable of that. I'm convinced this is going to be a very good partnership at this level - and they are certainly a real threat. "

Landzaat: Could be placed on the bench

Saturdays Wigan team may see a change in personel in the centre of the field. Paul Jewell has jumped to the defence of confidence shot midfielder Denny Landzaat, after another poor performance against Fulham was compunded with his first penalty miss of his career.

Jewell might bring Swede Andreas Johansson, who scored Wigans equaliser in this fixture last season, into the centre of midfield after impressing in the reserves again. The trio of Fitz Hall, Josip Skoko and Antonio Valencia have been ruled out by Paul Jewell.

Emile Heskey however, has been passed fit after coming off at Fulham after suffering a hamstring injury.

Bolton are without captain Kevin Nolan who is serving a three match suspension. Quinton Fortune is also ruled out with a long-term injury. Despite the loss of their captain, Bolton are a wounded animal, who will want to put in an impressive performance after last weeks crushing defeat.

If Wigan can withstand Boltons attack and come back to Wigan with all three points, it would be the Latics first victory on Bolton soil since 7th April 1987. A victory is long overdue.

Ones To Watch

Bolton signed the ultimate mercenary in Nicholas Anelka, who can't seem to stay at one club for more than one year. He is yet to score in the league for Bolton and will be a threat. Ivan Campo has been in scintilating form this term, scoring four goals already.

Pundits Prediction

Mark Lawrenson has again gone for a 1-1 draw. I don't think many Wigan or Bolton fans would be too upset with that.

My Prediction

Seeing as i've yet to get a prediction right, i might as well go out on a limb!

Bolton 0 Latics 1