Sunderland Preview: McCulloch to take striking berth

Pascal Chimbonda

It is clear from the opening performances of the season that the Latics have plenty of strength and depth in the defensive areas of the pitch and also in midfield. But after the departure of Nathan Ellington to West Bromwich Albion, the club has just two recognised strikers.

The goalkeeper and defence of the squad are sound. Mike Pollitt has been performing heroics in goal and John Filan is unlikely to get his place back when he recovers from injury.

Whilst the back four of Chimbonda (pictured), De Zeeuw, Henchoz and Baines has proved strong, conceding just two goals in the opening two games, despite being under immense pressure for large spells of the game.

It is up front that is proving the problem. No goals from two games leaves the Latics sat with no points and Sunderland on Saturday is a must win game.

Henri Camara is injured, Nathan Ellington departed, Johansson not up to it and with Jewell having not managed to get a replacement in in time for the game, it will force Lee McCulloch to play up front alongside fans favourite Jason Roberts.

Jewell is so desperate to sign a striker he is rumoured to be offering Michael Owen £150,000 a week to sign on loan until the January transfer window. Dean Ashton, Fatih Tekke and Dean Windass have all stayed with their respective clubs for a variety of reasons and Owen – top of PJ’s list – is unlikely to move to the JJB.

Jig (pictured) plays up front for his country and will offer more options than Johansson offered at Charlton last Saturday. His power and aerial ability could give the Sunderland back line something to think about.

He was in form pre season and managed two goals before the knee injury that has kept him sidelined for the opening two games.

Lee McCulloch

The only question that remains is over his fitness with Jewell saying: “He has a chance, but we have to be more cautious with him for the time being. He has been training hard with the physio for the past couple of weeks and he's raring to go.

“He deserves great credit for the effort and commitment he's shown in getting back to match fitness.”

The side that will start on Saturday is likely to have a few changes. Graham Kavanagh could come back into the midfield and add some steel, with Francis making way and Gary Teale is likely to be replaced on the right side by the more aggressive Ryan Taylor, who can also whip in a good free-kick.

Should McCulloch not be fit enough for this one, Jewell may opt for his five man midfield system with Francis pushing on in the Johansson role and Kavanagh coming back in alongside Bullard.

Kavanagh’s return to fitness is a much needed boost for the midfield, and he will offer even more defensive options. Jewell said: “Kav is back in full training and it fit. I'm sure he'll be involved in some capacity this weekend.”

There is also the prospect of new signing Josip Skoko playing some part. The 29 year old has 40 caps for Australia and is a relative unknown to most Latics fans, having played most of his career overseas. He could offer more options going forward, but is known as a midfielder.

Let’s hope that McCulloch is fit enough to start the game and we line up 4-4-2. Otherwise the season could look over before it got started. A home defeat to Sunderland is inconceivable.

Prediction: Wigan 1 Sunderland 0.