Wigan v West Ham preview

Latics look to beat the drop

By Amanda Cornforth   Last updated: 1st February 2008

Steve Bruce

Bruce: Chasing points

Wigan will be hoping to turn around a poor home record against West Ham at the JJB Stadium on Saturday.

Out of four meetings between the two sides, the Latics have claimed just one point but they will be looking to break that record as they strive to haul themselves out of the relegation zone.

Following the midweek 1-0 defeat at Middlesbrough, Steve Bruce's side find themselves third from bottom and two points adrift of safety.

Wigan have failed to win in their last six games in all competitions and have claimed just two points in the Premier League.

Addition

Bruce bolstered his squad by signing Norwegian defender Erik Hagen on loan from Russian side Zenit St Petersburg on Thursday for the rest of the season and he could feature in the game.

The manager is also poised to continue with a two-man attack on Saturday after admitting he 'got it wrong' by choosing to experiment with a three-pronged attack at the start against Middlesbrough.

Buoyed

Wigan will, however, face a stiff test against West Ham, who head north buoyed by an injury-time victory over Liverpool on Wednesday night.

Following the win the Hammers are only four points behind the Reds in 10th place in the table as they continue to push for a European place.

West Ham have only lost three league games in their last 15 and are quietly mounting their challenge on Europe.

Boss Alan Curbishley received a boost midweek when Dean Ashton and Matthew Etherington came off the bench against Liverpool following injuries.

Julien Faubert may be available after recovering from his serious Achilles injury; he was only ruled out of the Liverpool game with a calf strain.