Wigan v Portsmouth preview

22 May 2009 14:37
Wigan Athletic host Portsmouth on the final day of the 2008/09 Premier League season. Both sides have already secured their top-flight safety so head into the game pressure free. Pompey lie just a point below the Latics and will see the possibility of finishing what has been a disappointing term in 12th as motivation for a silver-lining. Furthermore, interim boss Paul Hart's contract expires at the end of the campaign and he will be eager to seal the win that could see him offered a permanent role. Wigan's season has petered out since the turn of the year and manager Steve Bruce will be keen to reward the home fans at the JJB Stadium for their continued support. Latics winger Antonio Valencia is unlikely to get a farewell appearance against Portsmouth as he is struggling with a hamstring problem. Bruce admits it is inevitable the in-demand Ecuador international will leave in the summer with Real Madrid having already reportedly made a bid. On-loan striker Mido has been sick this week while midfielder Paul Scharner is carrying a knee injury. Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland's back problem, which has kept him out of the last two Premier League matches, means he is still doubtful. Egypt striker Amr Zaki, injured at West Brom a fortnight ago, has returned home before the end of his loan spell after Bruce decided not to make the deal permanent. ChangesStriker David Nugent misses out on Portsmouth's trip after being booked in for a hernia operation on Monday. Nugent, who had similar surgery in October and, before that, in February 2007 joins David James on the sidelines following the England goalkeeper's successful shoulder operation on Wednesday. Canadian Under-21 international Asmir Begovic is set to deputise again. Jermaine Pennant, dropped for the win against Sunderland on Monday, returns to the squad just before the expiry of his loan from Liverpool. Niko Kranjcar is back in training after an ankle injury but will not be involved on Sunday. Possible starting XIs Wigan: Kingson, Melchiot, Bramble, Scharner, Figueroa, Koumas, Brown, Cattermole, N'Zogbia, Rodallega, Mido. Portsmouth: Begovic, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Pennant, Mullins, Hughes, Davis, Belhadj, Crouch.

Source: SKY_Sports