Wigan set to lock Horns with Watford

It has been nigh on a month since Wigans only home game of the new campaign, when last seasons Championship runaway leaders Reading sucumbed to Emile Heskeys first and up to now only goal of the season.

Reading have since won back to back victories to catapult themselves to sixth

Former Wigan man Damien Francis

in the table, and whilst Steve Coppell side are recreating Wigan's past achivementes, fellow promoted Watford have found the Premiership considerably harder.

The Hornets arrive at the JJB Stadium languishing in 19th place, with the third Promoted club Sheffield United bottom on goal difference. Both sides are only five games into the season, and so won't be panicking too much yet.

Aidy Boothroyds side have played twice away from home, losing both games. They began their campaign at Everton, losing 2-1 with former Latics man Damien Francis getting his side a late consolation. Francis would go on to score against in hi sides 2-1 defeat to Manchester United.

Their next away game at Bolton was a harsh reminder of life in the Premiership; Fail to take chances and you will get punished. Despite hitting the crossbar on numerous occasions, Bolton snatched all three points with an injury time Penalty.

The mid-week Carling Cup victory over Accrington Stanley will give Watford some confidence, despite only winning on penalties. The Latics however, who beat Watford 3-0 in last years amazing Cup run, fell at gresty Road, losing 2-0 to Crewe.

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Although the performance pleased Jewell, it was the lack of cuttin edge in both boxes that caused the biggest dissapointment of the night: "Between the two penalty boxes our play was excellent, we passed the ball well and moved it well."

"Creating chances wasn't a problem, but getting on the end of them was, we weren't prepared to get hurt doing that."

"Last season we reached the Carling Cup final, and it just shows that whatever happens one year, it doesn't matter the next. The only thing that matters now is what happens against Watford on Saturday."

Jewell will be bouyed by the return of three players, after travelling to Everton with just sixteen fit first teamers. Svatoslav Todorov travelled with the squad last week, but Jewell did not risk him. He, along with Lee McCulloch and Henri Camara have returned to full training and will stake a claim for selection this Saturday.

Henri Camara is expected to replace Johansson, despite the Swedes decent showing, while 'Toddy' will likely take a place on the bench. Jewell has to choose whether to drop Kilbane, who set up Scharners first against Everton, or place McCulloch on the bench.

Only defenders Clarke Carlise and Chris Powell are likely to miss out come kick off this Saturday at 3:00pm.

Ones To Watch

Damien Francis failed to live up to expectations at the JJB, but has began his Hornets career with a bang, scoring two goals already. Last seasons top scorer Marlon King has found life difficult, but did score a wonder goal against West Ham. Winger Matthew Spring is a pacey player who could be their biggest threat.

Pundits Predictions

Mark Lawrenson has gone for a Wigan 2-1 victory, believing that Wigans added strenght and power, and defensive qualities will be enough to cope with the Hornets.

My Prediction

A clean sheet and another home victory on the cards for the Latics. Although Watford will cause their fair share of problems i expect the re-united pair of Camara and Heskey (if they are re-united of course) to score the goals.

Latics 2 Watford 0