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Monday's fixture is a meeting of two teams who have based their respective seasons around good home or away form. Whilst ourselves have impressed more away from home with eight victories, Fulham have enjoyed home advantage, winning an impressive eleven, including an impressive 1-0 victory over Champions Chelsea, whilst losing just four.
Fulham have lost once in their last twelve home games, but have only won two of their last six games in the Premiership home and away. Fulham are the only club left this season not to have picked up an away victory, although that stat wil have no bearing on Mondays game. Wigan bounced back from a four game winless run by beating Aston Villa 3-2 to pick up their first home win of 2006.
Fulham manager Chris Coleman admits that Wigan will prove a tough task,
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"Wigan will be one of the toughest games we have from the remaining four. Wigan play the ball through midfield with excellent movement upfront. The two centre backs read the game very well - they're always in the right position. Paul's team are well organised and have quality in every position."
"It's going to be a tough game against an organised, well drilled side who are very quick going forward. If we approach the game in the right manner I'm convinced we'll get the 3 points."
Latics boss Jewell returned the compliment, saying: " they are as good as any side in this league at home, we face a really tough game, but don't discount us because our away form has been good this season"
Both sides have injuries ahead of the match. Ryan Taylor has been added to Wigan's growing defensive injury list after breaking his leg, whilst Skipper Arjan De Zeeuw and club captain Matt Jackson are ruled out for the season.
Chris Coleman has said he has "the biggest squad he's had all season" to choose from, as only Carlos Bocanegra and Claus Jensen are ruled out for monday.
Paul Jewell has a few selection headaches ahead of the game. It is undecided yet whetherhe will stick with Reto Ziegler and Damien Francis, or bring back in Lee McCullohch and Graham Kavanagh, whilst David Connolly could find himself on the bench for the injured Ryan Taylor if he passes his own fitness test. Stephane Henchoz and Paul Scharner, barring a miraculous De Zeeuw recover (well he is a doctor!), will be the starting centre backs for the final three games.
'Goal machine' Jimmy Bullard will be looking to score in three consecutive games, after scoring stunners against both Newcastle and Villa.
Ones to Watch
Fulham, like Wigan, play brilliant attacking football, making it hard to choose just one or two danger men. Steed Malbranque is a great playmaker who will need to be tightly marked, whilst Boa Morte on the wing can be a menace. Striker, and former Wigan target, Heidar Helguson can be a danger in the penalty area if played, whilst collins John is a hard worker with a keen eye for goal.
Pundits Prediction
In an unprecedented move, sky sports have not gone for a Wigan defeat. Instead, Charlie Nicholas has gone for 1-1, yet he couldn't bring himself to make the one to watch a Wigan player, instead going for usually Fulham substitute Helguson as the One to Watch
Mark Lawrenson has gone for Fulham to win 2-1. Less said about him and his predictions the better
My Prediction
Goals are on the cards for the lucky (and i'm one of them) travelling Wigan fans, as both sides play exciting attacking football. Fulhams defence, although sometimes decent, is poor which will help Wigan. Saying that Wigan's defence is not at full strenght and is prone to leak the odd goal or two. Hard decision but a repeat of Tuesdays result is probable either way.
Cottagers 2 Latics 3 (or other way round)
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