Premier League preview: Wigan v Bolton

It is too early to call it a relegation dogfight, but Wigan’s Lancashire derby with Bolton is an important one for both teams.

The two sides currently take up spots in the bottom three on the table, with Bolton clear last on three points and Wigan 18th on five – and the DW Stadium fixture presents an ideal chance for either side to kick start their floundering seasons.

Bolton’s 2011 has been exceptionally poor, winning just six out of their 25 Premier League games, despite having one eye on a European spot at Christmas last year.

Six straight losses for Owen Coyle’s men have entrenched them in early trouble, but the manager is hoping the return of Finnish goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen from injury will help prevent Wanderers from shipping less goals, and picking up more points.

“Jussi had picked up the thigh strain and being the man he is, was willing to play through it against Chelsea,” Coyle told the Bolton News.

“We didn’t feel we could take the risk that the injury wouldn’t get worse as a result, so he sat that one out.”

“He’ll come back in with the other lads this week and we’ll have a look at how he is doing.”

Second-choice stopper Adam Bogdan was in goal in their 5-1 loss to Chelsea at Bolton’s last outing.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, former Bolton keeper and current Wigan custodian Ali Al-Habsi said it was crucial to snare all three points in what will be his first clash against his old side.

“I have strong feelings for both teams, obviously more so Wigan because I am here now, but also Bolton because of the time I spent there. I have many friends still at Bolton but it will be different when they are lining up against me that day,” the Oman international told the Wigan Observer.

“And I honestly don’t think a draw would be enough for either team – which should make for a really exciting game.”

“At least I will be able to play against them this time. We played them four times last year and I couldn’t play in any of them.”