|
Wigan: Henri Camara's return to training for Paul Jewell is a massive boost. He is unlikely to start the game with Jason Roberts and David Connolly having put in such a good performances in the 2-1 win at West Brom last week.
Captain Arjan De Zeeuw is a doubt for the game after he went over on his ankle in training. Matt Jackson and Emerson Thome are on standby to replace the big Dutchman. Gary Teale is still sidelined.
It is expected that Jewell will line up with the same side that defeat the Baggies last week. Skoko, Camara and Taylor will have to settle for places on the bench as the Latics side shows decent strength and depth.
Middlesbrough: 'Boro are set to be missing a number of first team stars. Hasselbaink, Nemeth, Riggott, Mendieta, Downing, McMahon, Parnaby and Christie are all unlikely to feature through injury.
However Steve McClaren can still call on players with the quality of Viduka, Southgate and Yakubu.
The Riverside Stadium side have been stuggling in the league so far this season despite a moral boosting 2-0 win over FC Xanthi in the UEFA Cup midweek. Viduka and Boateng scored in that one.
A 2-1 win over Arsenal last weekend has revived Boro's season for the time being, but with jsut 7 points from 5 games, McClaren's side are jsut one point better off that the Latics and have played a game more.
One-to-watch: Mark Viduka - the big Aussie striker can be a real handful and will give the Latics backline trouble at the weekend. If they can keep him quiet, theres always the threat provided by Yakubu to watch out for.
Maybe for none football reasons, Abel Xavier is also one to watch. I mean just look at the fella's hair cut!
Wiganer.net Prediction: Wigan 2 Middlesbrough 1