Strugglers Wigan and Bolton will both be desperate to pick up three points as they face each other in a Lancashire derby.
Both sides eager to end lengthy losing streaks in Lancashire derby
Wigan will look to capitalise on bottom side Bolton's six-match losing streak in this weekend's relegation zone battle, with both desperate to salvage vital points.
With a marginally better run of results, The Latics have lost their last four games for the first time since October 2008, most recently in a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa that saw them slump to 18th place.
Athletic have rapidly slipped down the table with only five points since their last win in August over QPR subsequently losing successively against Manchester City, Everton and Tottenham.
Both sides will be eager to capture the win, with four of the last five meetings between the two Greater Manchester sides ending in a draw and just three-goals scored in the last four meetings at the DW Stadium.
Team News
Roberto Martinez welcomes back winger Albert Crusat and defender Steve Gohouri for the Lancashire derby.
Crusat suffered a knock against Crystal Palace in Wigan's Carling Cup defeat last month, whilst Gohouri was suspended after being shown a red card in his first game of the season against Spurs.
James McCarthy remains a possibility for game after a bout of tonsillitis ruled him out for the Republic of Ireland's win over Armenia on Tuesday but Hugo Rodellega is unlikely to feature despite making good progress in his recovery from a knee injury.
Dismal form
Bolton will hope to revive their season having broken records for their dismal run of form matching their worst ever start to a campaign.
The Trotters have conceded more goals than any other side in Premier League history, becoming only the fifth club to record six straight home defeats.
Owen Coyle's men have lost eleven of their last twelve domestic games having not claimed three points since their 4-0 win over new-boys QPR on the opening day of the season.
Their last defeat came in the form of a 5-1 drubbing at home to Chelsea prior to the international break with Frank Lampard punishing Bolton with a hat-trick.
Team News
Goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen is expected to start after missing the game against the Blues with a thigh problem, replacing Adam Bogdan.
Gael Kakuta was ineligible to play against his parent club but is available once again along with Ivan Klasnic and David Wheater who return from suspensions.
