Wigan take on Sunderland at the JJB Stadium as they return to Premier League action on Saturday.
Both teams searching for points in early stages
Wigan take on Sunderland at the JJB Stadium as they return to Premier League action on Saturday.
Both clubs managed to beat the drop last season but their early form this campaign has not been the best.
Last time out Wigan enjoyed a 5-0 victory over newly-promoted Hull, but had been on the receiving end of two defeats previously, leaving them 13th in the table.
Boss Steve Bruce is set to add to his squad this week with the Latics poised to sign goalkeeper Richard Kingson, and the manager may also receive another boost.
Paul Scharner is hoping to be fit for the clash after enduring an injury-hit few weeks. He featured in two games for Austria in the past week and is on the road to recovery.
Meanwhile, Jason Koumas is undergoing intensive treatment on an ankle injury in the hope of making the side.
Team mates
Sunderland boss Roy Keane will be up against his former Manchester United team-mate Bruce when they make the trip.
But there will not be any old pals act on show once the game starts as the Black Cats look to earn some needed points.
They lost 3-0 to Manchester City in their last game and have only managed to claim three points so far this season in their victory over Tottenham, which has left them in 18th spot in the table.
Sunderland lost 3-0 at Wigan last season in what was one of their worst performances and it remains fresh in Keane's mind.
Skipper Dean Whitehead is likely to be ruled out with a hip injury, although he is expected to return to training on Friday.
Anton Ferdinand could make his debut after coming through a reserve fixture in midweek. Teemu Tainio and Dwight Yorke are also expected to be in the squad.
Possible starting XIs
Wigan: Kirkland, Melchiot, Boyce, Bramble, Figueroa, Valencia, Cattermole, Palacios, Kilbane, Heskey, Zaki.
Sunderland: Gordon, Bardsley, Ferdinand, Collins, Chimbonda, Malbranque, Leadbitter, Reid, Richardson, Cisse, Diouf.
