Wigan v Bolton preview

Lancashire rivals battle to avoid the drop

Last updated: 14th March 2008

Steve Bruce

Bruce: Relegation battle

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Skysports.com prediction: 2-1

SKY BET odds: Wigan evens, Draw 9/4, Bolton 9/4

One to Watch: El-Hadji Diouf

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Wigan welcome relegation rivals Bolton to the JJB Stadium on Sunday for what promises to be a classic Lancashire derby.

Both sides are battling to avoid the Premier League drop this season and Wigan manager Steve Bruce has gone as far as to describe the weekend's encounter as a 'cup final'.

While Bolton sampled a midweek European break as their second string side were narrowly eliminated 2-1 on aggregate in the last 16 of the Uefa Cup by Sporting Lisbon, Wigan appear to be in the box seat domestically.

The Latics sit 13th in the table and three points ahead of their local neighbours, who occupy the final place in the relegation zone.

However, Bolton boss Gary Megson will be well aware that a three-goal victory at the JJB would see his side overhaul Wigan.

Heskey doubt

Wigan could be without Emile Heskey as they attempt to avoid slip-ups after the striker limped out of last week's 0-0 home draw with Arsenal after sustaining a foot injury in a challenge with William Gallas.

And although X-rays have confirmed Heskey has not broken any bones, it is understood that the forward is a fitness doubt ahead of the visit of Bolton.

Chris Kirkland should keep his place in goal after his heroics in keeping Arsenal at bay, but Andreas Granqvist is not available following the Swedish defender's loan return to former club Helsingborg and Erik Hagen (hamstring) has been sidelined over recent weeks.

Megson has made no secret of his priorities this season after ringing the changes for Thursday's defeat to Sporting and the Bolton boss is expected to recall a number of his established players at the weekend.

Kevin Nolan, Jussi Jaaskelainen, Kevin Davies, Matt Taylor, El-Hadji Diouf, Andy O'Brien, Ricardo Gardner, Ivan Campo and Gavin McCann were all absent from the starting XI in Portugal but should be involved on Sunday.