Paul Ince needs a win when Blackburn take on Wigan in a North West derby at the JJB Stadium.
Rovers need to get back to winning ways after desperate league run
Under-fire Blackburn boss Paul Ince desperately needs a win when Rovers take on Wigan in a crucial North West derby at the JJB Stadium on Saturday.
The Rovers boss is coming under increasing pressure after seeing his side fail to win in 10 league games - including losing the last five - to sit second from bottom of the table, three points from safety.
Chairman John Williams this week set the club a make-or-break target of nine league wins, saying they need to start picking up victories as quickly as possible.
Ince will surely be targeting this game as one of those wins as he battles to avoid the axe after only six months at the helm.
Wigan, meanwhile, will be looking to get back to winning ways after their 1-0 defeat by Arsenal at the Emirates last Saturday.
This defeat ended a five-match unbeaten run which earned Steve Bruce's side 11 points to now sit in 11th place in the table, three points above the drop zone.
The Latics have won their last two games at home and another victory here will open up a crucial nine-point gap over Ince's side.
Latics news
Defender Emmerson Boyce will miss the game with a torn hamstring after the centre-back was injured in last weekend's defeat at Arsenal and is expected to be out for at least a fortnight.
But, on a more positive note, Paul Scharner should have recovered from a groin strain to replace him.
Striker Henri Camara has been ill all week and will be checked before the match, but central midfielder Wilson Palacios is definitely out as he serves a one-match suspension.
Rovers news
Midfielder David Dunn will be on the bench for the clash as he battles back from long-term injury.
The 28-year-old has not played since the second match of the season on 28th August after sustaining an Achilles injury.
Defender Martin Olsson has picked up a knock this week but winger Morten Gamst Pedersen is fit despite picking up shoulder problem in last weekend's defeat to Liverpool.
Defender Aaron Mokoena and striker Jason Roberts are also fit after pulling out late last week.
Ince is still without long-term midfield absentees Vince Grella (calf) and Steven Reid (knee).
Possible starting XIs
Wigan: Kirkland, Melchiot, Bramble, Scharner, Figueroa, Koumas, Kilbane, Cattermole, Valencia, Heskey, Zaki.
Blackburn: Robinson, Ooijer, Warnock, Nelsen, Samba, Tugay, Emerton, Andrews, Pedersen, Santa Cruz, Derbyshire.
