Villa v Wigan preview

Both sides want the points, but for different reasons

Last updated: 2nd May 2008

Olof Mellberg Aston Villa

Mellberg: Could miss Villa Park farewell

PREDICTIONS:


Skysports.com predicts:
Aston Villa 3 Wigan 2


SKY BET odds:
Aston Villa 8/15 Draw 5/2 Wigan 13/2


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Ashley Young


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Aston Villa can jump into fifth spot in the table, while Wigan Athletic will be looking to guarantee their Premier League status.

After a 2-2 draw at Everton last weekend, Villa remain three points behind their rivals for a Uefa Cup spot.

However, Martin O'Neill's side can apply the pressure ahead of Everton's trip to Arsenal on Sunday by collecting the points against Wigan.

Victory would lift Villa above Everton on goal difference and O'Neill will be hoping to name the same team which drew at Goodison Park.

Olof worry

The only concern is Olof Mellberg, with the Swedish defender struggling with a virus ahead of what would be his final match at Villa Park.

Mellberg is ending his seven-year association with Villa to join Juventus on a free transfer in the summer and is desperate to play against Wigan.

But he has missed training with the illness and is a big concern for O'Neill, who is also still without Craig Gardner.

The young midfielder, who has filled in at right-back this season, has suffered a setback in his recovery from a thigh injury.

If Mellberg and Gardner are both ruled out of the game, then O'Neill may have to turn to Nigel Reo-Coker to slot in on the right-hand side of defence.

O'Neill has no other injury problems as he looks for Villa to continue the attacking momentum which has brought 17 goals in four matches.

Heskey concern

Wigan will be safe if they win in the Midlands, but even a draw or defeat could be enough depending on results elsewhere.

The Latics are five points outside the drop zone and will hope safety is secured before next weekend's final game at home to title-chasing Manchester United.

Steve Bruce is waiting on the fitness of Emile Heskey, who was substituted in last week's 0-0 draw at home to Reading with an ankle injury.

The striker is expected to be fit for the game, but Marlon King is on stand-by to partner Marcus Bent in attack, if Heskey is ruled out.

Mario Melchiot will miss the club's final two matches of the season after suffering a groin injury against Reading, so Ryan Taylor is expected to start at right-back.

Erik Edman is the only other major absentee for Wigan, so Kevin Kilbane will continue in the left-back role.

Aston Villa v Wigan Correct Score: Aston Villa 3-2 25/1