Paul Jewell returns to the JJB Stadium for the first time when his Derby side travel to Wigan on Saturday.
Basement battle at the JJB
Paul Jewell returns to the JJB Stadium for the first time on Saturday when his Derby side travel to Wigan.
The Rams boss spent six years in charge of the Latics, taking them out of the old Second Division and up into the Premier League before deciding to walk away at the end of the 2006/07 season.
His former side have struggled without him and are currently perched just a single point above the drop zone.
They have lost four of their last five games in all competitions and only Derby (19) and Reading (16) have tasted defeat more times that the Latics' 15 this season.
If Wigan are in deep trouble, then Derby have already sunk. The Rams have been in the relegation places since the third game of the season and have been bottom since October.
They have won just one league game all season have the worst goals for and against record in the top-flight.
The Rams will have the chance to make history at the weekend, though, as the two sides have never met before at the JJB.
Jewell's men will also be out to gain revenge for a 1-0 defeat at Pride Park just over a month ago, when a late Antoine Sibierski strike was enough to claim all three points for Steve Bruce's side.
Edman debut
Wigan expect England striker Emile Heskey to be fit enough to lead their attack despite his recent back troubles.
Heskey has been blighted by injuries of late, but manager Bruce has been happy with the forward's progress since Wigan's last outing a fortnight ago.
Midfielder Ryan Taylor has been ruled out with a rib injury, but new signing Erik Edman could come into contention.
The Swedish defender has been unable to play since his January move from Rennes due to a calf injury, but he did manage a 45-minute run-out for the reserves on Thursday and could be handed his debut.
If Edman is deemed fit enough to play he will likely fill in at left-back, with Kevin Kilbane then being restored to his more natural position on the left wing.
McEveley returns
Jay McEveley is poised to return to the Derby side after a seven-week lay-off with a knee injury.
Captain Robbie Savage will play after recovering from a severely bruised foot sustained a fortnight ago in the 3-0 home defeat to Spurs, while on-loan midfielder Hossam Ghaly is available again after being ineligible to face his parent club.
Jewell remains without defenders Claude Davis and Tyrone Mears due to long-term injuries, while fellow defender Darren Moore is doubtful with a hamstring problem.
