Latics v West Ham Preview

Latics go into tomorrow`s game, against fellow strugglers West Ham, without a win in six games.

The last victory was the away win at Manchester City back on March 3rd.

In contrast West Ham have won four of their last six games, the latest being a 1-0 victory against Everton, at Upton Park last Saturday.

So West Ham have better form, but the Latics camp know a win tomorrow and three points could all but guarantee the club Premiership football next season.

Both sides have players missing; Wigan will be without Ecuadorian winger Antonio Valencia, who is serving the last of a three match ban.

Ryan Taylor, looking like he is not going to recover in time, will join Chris Kirkland and Fitz Hall, on the treatment table.

For the Hammers, Dean Ashton, Matty Upson and Danny Gabbidon are all out for the rest of the season.

Having been promoted together, in that unforgettable season 2004-05, both clubs had magnificent first seasons in the Premiership, but, the dreaded second season curse has struck both sides, with indifferent performances this season, leaving a tense end of campaign.

With just three points separating both clubs this is a must win match and I believe we will witness an open game of football tomorrow, with both sides going for it.

Paul Jewell apologised earlier in the week for his negativity against Liverpool, I can`t see him making that mistake again.

The club announced that the game is a sell out, so we can look forward to a cracking atmosphere more akin to a cup final.

Last three league meetings at JJB Stadium:

2005/6 Wigan 1 (McCulloch) West Ham 2 (Harewood, Reo-Coker)

2004/5 Wigan 1 (Roberts) West Ham 2 (Sheringham, Harewood)

2003/4 Wigan 1 (Roberts) West Ham 1 (Deane)

Latics will probably line up in a 4-4-2 formation with: Filan, Boyce, Jackson, DeZeeuw, Baines, Killbane, Landzaat, Scharner, McCulloch, Heskey, Camara.

The referee tomorrow is Graham Poll.

Prediction

Heart 3-1 comfortable home win

Head 2-2 nervy heart thumping draw.

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