In what is most probably the most crucial time of the season, as far as being in the right position in the table is concerned, latics look to end their dismal form in the league with a win against last year's strugglers Portsmouth.

New signings Julius Aghahowa and Caleb Folan look set to sure up the Latics attack looking set to partner one another upfront.

Both Paul Scharner and Henri Camara are close to coming back for the latics from injury, while Lee McCulloch who suffered a knock against Reading midweek loks set to be picked after regaining fitness.

Emile Heskey however is still suffering with a calf problem.

Andrew Cole looks set to be back in the Portsmouth side-despite midweek transfer speculation, and will partner Kanu upfront.

Djimi Traore is still out for pompey with an ankle injury.

Probable Teams :

Wigan

Kirkland, Jackson, Kilbane, McCulloch, Boyce, Skoko, Johansson, Landzaat, Baines, Granqvist, Haestad, Valencia, Folan, Unsworth, Taylor, Cywka, Aghahowa, Filan.


Portsmouth

James, Johnson, Primus, Campbell, Pamarot, Traore, Lauren, O'Neil, Pedro Mendes, Taylor, Davis, Kranjcar, Kanu, Cole, Lualua, Benjani, Douala, Hughes, O'Brien, Ashdown.

Referee :Graham Poll (Tring, Hertfordshire)

Wigan manager Paul Jewell this week commented :

"I believe from the fixtures we have left we can get something out of the games, and I know that's only on paper and they're only words.

"It's about time we stopped talking and got on with putting the words into actions.

"I've got belief in my players that we've more than enough to win the games we need to stay up."

With Latics losing their last 9 games in all competitions Paul will be looking for more attacking flair from his new signings and hopefully walk away with a comfortable win.

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