Latics to Tame the Tigers

Wigan Athletic travel to Hull today looking to pick up their first points of the new season following two defeats against West Ham and Chelsea.

By contrast Hull have made a cracking start to life in the Premier League, an opening day victory at home to Fulham was followed up by a more than creditable away point at Blackburn.

Hull have former Latic Caleb Folan in their ranks and he could make a start today against his former employers due to the fact that Marlon King isn`t legible to play with him being on loan from the Latics.

I always liked Folan during his time at the JJB he is a hard worker and plays with his heart on his sleeve, lets just hope that he doesn`t bite us on the bum so to speak.

This will be a tough test for the Latics because Hull have strengthened well during the summer but by the same token we are a far better side than both Fulham and Blackburn.

There is a lot of transfer speculation doing the rounds at the moment regarding the future of Emile Heskey; could this be his last game in a Latics kit?

With the way we have played so far this season Steve Bruce will be delighted but also concerned at the lack of points, he will be looking to this game to get the season started, here`s hoping

Latics boss Steve Bruce:

'I think Chris Kirkland should be okay for the Hull game.'

'He had a spasm while we were away in pre-season and it tightens up and stiffens up a bit, but we don't think it is anything too serious so with a bit of TLC he will be fine.'

'He has been to see specialists and we're okay with him. He's comfortable with the whole situation at the moment so we don't think there is really anything to unduly worry us.'

Hull boss Phil Brown:

'Dean Windass just wants to play football. I gave him that opportunity at Swansea on Tuesday.'

'He said to me he just wants to score goals and he has done that, so he is ticking all the boxes.'

'Do I repay him with a start against Wigan? The answer to that will remain to be seen.'

George Boateng is out with a thigh injury and Marlon King is ineligible due to the fact that we loaned him to Hull

Hull City from:

Myhill, Ricketts, Turner, Gardner, Dawson, Garcia, Ashbee, Barmby, Geovanni, Fagan, Halmosi, Folan, Windass, Mendy, Marney, Duke, Brown, Boateng, Hughes, France.

Skillful Brazilian and already off the mark with a goal

Sibierski is out for six weeks, Edman has a long term injury and Scharner and Koumas both likely to be missing with ankle injuries

Latics from:

Kirkland, Melchiot, Boyce, Scharner, Figueroa, Valencia, Cattermole, Palacios, Kapo, Heskey, Zaki, Bramble, Brown, De Ridder, Kilbane, Koumas, Taylor, Camara, Montrose, Nash, Pollitt.

Watch and you will see why he is called the Magican.

This is the first meeting of the two clubs in top flight football

Previous league meetings

Hull 4 wins, Latics 3, Draws 5

Mike Jones (Cheshire)

This is Mikes first ever Premier League game, lets hope he isnt nervous

Heart says 2-1 Latics win

Head says 1-1

Latics Vs Sunderland
JJB Stadium
Saturday 13th September 2008
3pm

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