Wigan v Bolton preview

01 May 2009 10:31
Wigan entertain Lancashire rivals Bolton on Saturday in what promises to be a keenly-fought local derby.[LNB] The Latics have slipped to three consecutive defeats in recent weeks, dashing their hopes of securing a European spot for next season.[LNB]They have slipped back into the midst of mid-table as a result and will be desperate to end the season on a positive note.[LNB]Steve Bruce's side have fared reasonably well in derby clashes this season, though, and will be looking to keep that run going against the Trotters.[LNB]Bolton have taken just five points from 10 meetings with their North West neighbours this term and they will be keen to avoid more misery at the JJB Stadium.[LNB]Gary Megson's side will need little motivation heading into the game, but they will know victory this weekend could secure their Premier League status for another year.[LNB]Providing other results go their way at the bottom, three points against the Latics would take the Trotters to 41 for the season and guarantee them a place among English football's elite for the 2009/10 campaign.[LNB]Mido readyWigan striker Mido is recovering well from a shoulder problem and should be fit enough to put himself in contention.[LNB]The on-loan Middlesbrough forward came off at half-time in last week's defeat to Blackburn but manager Steve Bruce expects the Egypt international to take his place in the starting line-up.[LNB]Fellow striker Amr Zaki may be given his first start alongside his compatriot since 4th March, with Bruce ready to put recent differences aside.[LNB]Duo returnBolton manager Megson expects to have defenders Ricardo Gardner and Danny Shittu available again.[LNB]Gardner has been nursing a hamstring injury and Shittu has been troubled by a calf strain, forcing both men to miss last weekend's clash against Aston Villa.[LNB]Yet the pair should be passed fit along with Andy O'Brien (cramp), leaving midfield knee injury victims Mark Davies and Joey O'Brien as the Trotters' only absentees.[LNB]Possible starting XIsWigan: Kirkland, Boyce, Bramble, Scharner, Figueroa, Valencia, Cattermole, Watson, N'Zogbia, Mido, Zaki.[LNB]Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, O'Brien, Cahill, Samuel, Taylor, McCann, Muamba, Gardner, Elmander, Davies.[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports