Portsmouth v Wigan preview

It's bottom versus mid-table at Fratton Park on Saturday

By Jamie Casey   Last updated: 30th October 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Portsmouth v Wigan preview

Hart: Hoping to build on midweek win

Predictions:

Skysports.com predicts: Portsmouth 1-2 Wigan

SKY BET odds: Portsmouth 11/8, Draw 12/5, Wigan 15/8

One to watch: Hugo Rodallega

Wigan to win on their travels is 15/8 with Rodallega to score the first goal 13/2. Click here to bet now,

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Portsmouth will be aiming to build on their midweek Carling Cup win as they prepare to host Wigan on Saturday.

The Premier League's crisis club cruised to a shock 4-0 win over Stoke on Tuesday night in a high point of an otherwise abysmal season to date.

Rooted to the foot of the table, Pompey face Roberto Martinez' unpredictable mid-table side at Fratton Park and manager Paul Hart is expected to make changes despite the midweek display.

Hart has first-choice quartet Kevin-Prince Boateng, Jamie O'Hara, Mike Williamson and Tommy Smith available again after the four were cup-tied for the cup clash against a below-par Potters side.

However, Papa Bouba Diop (hamstring) and Hermann Hreidarsson (foot tendon) are still recovering and will not feature against the Latics.

Wigan team news

Wigan will be without Maynor Figueroa for the trip to Fratton Park as he recovers from the knee injury which forced him off during last weekend's 3-1 win at Burnley.

The Honduran full-back is expected to be sidelined for up to seven weeks after being substituted in the first-half at Turf Moor.

Versatile Spaniard Jordi Gomez is on hand to deputise after impressing as Figueroa's replacement in that game.

Paul Scharner is doubtful with a hamstring injury and Jason Koumas may get the chance to impress should the Austrian fail to recover in time.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Chris Kirkland remains troubled by a dislocated finger with Mike Pollitt prepared to deputise.

Otherwise, Martinez has a full squad to choose from and will be aiming to instil some consistency to his improving side's form.

Possible starting XIs

Portsmouth: James, Finnan, Wilson, Kaboul, Ben-Haim, Yebda, Boateng, O'Hara, Mokoena, Smith, Dindane.

Wigan: Pollitt, Melchiot, Boyce, Bramble, Gomez, N'Zogbia, Thomas, Diame, Rodallega, Koumas, Scotland.

Next home win in PL Win Only: Wigan 5/4