Wigan Athletic v Liverpool preview

By Alan G
December 2 2006

Liverpool travel to the JJB without a win on their travels this season. Hardened Latics supporters are naturally fearing the worst.

Emile Heskey is poised to start against his former club after fully recovering from a calf strain.

Arjan de Zeeuw is a doubt with a toe injury, as is Gary Teale (hamstring).

Liverpool have Craig Bellamy back after the striker was cleared of assault charges this week.

Xabi Alonso also has a chance of being involved after the Spaniard resumed training at the club this week following his own hamstring problem.

Latics (from): Kirkland, Pollitt, Boyce, Webster, Jackson, De Zeeuw, Cotterill, Landzaat, Scharner, Kilbane, Heskey, McCulloch, Camara, Johansson, Todorov, Hall, Wright.

Liverpool (from): Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Agger, Riise, Luis Garcia, Gerrard, Alonso, Pennant, Fowler, Crouch, Bellamy, Kuyt, Guthrie, Dudek, Paletta.

 Paul Jewell:
"They can win the title, but I don't think they will. It's now a fight between Manchester United and Chelsea.

"Liverpool will be disappointed with their points tally and, by their standards, they won't be impressed with their away record.

"I think everyone is a little surprised at Liverpool's form."