Robs Prediction Latics Brum

Wigan play host to Birmingham City in what is really a game the Latics cannot afford to lose.

Birmingham are on a rich vein of form of late and will fancy their chances against a Wigan side depleted of first side regulars.

However, the JJB Stadium is not an easy place to come to these days and the Latics know that they must salvage at least a draw from this game.

With Bolton having lost on Saturday and visiting Aston Villa, there will be no better opportunity for the Latics to take all three points against a spirited Birmingham side.

Wigan welcome back Wilson Palacios for this clash and will add some real steel to the midfield.

Also, Wigan can take credit from their performance at Pompey as they played a good game but Latics home form is relatively good and this is a game that Birmingham will be looking to salvage something from, but at the same time, not be relishing.

The stakes couldn't be higher and if Wigan win and Bolton lose this weekend, it'll mean an 8 point gap between them and the drop zone and that might be the incentive Wigan need to try and defeat Birmingham.

ROB'S PREDICTION: 1-0

Wigan know this is a very important home game and will be looking for a win. This will be a scrappy, card happy encounter.

Birmingham will fight to the very last but I think that Wigan will, just about, see this one through as they know that they need to as then they will claim a real advantage over the bottom three should Bolton lose to Aston Villa.