Premier League preview: Wigan v Fulham

Wigan and Fulham will look to put some breathing place between themselves and the relegation zone when they clash at DW Stadium on Saturday.

Roberto Martinez’s Wigan side are second from bottom in the English Premier League with 21 points, just one point clear of last-placed West Ham.

In their last league game, a Ronnie Stam equaliser with 10 minutes remaining helped secure a 1-1 draw and a valuable point away to Bolton, while on Saturday they secured a 3-2 win at Hull to book a place in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Mark Hughes’ Fulham side are in 14th place in the league but just one point ahead of Wigan. In their most recent outing, they smashed Peterborough 6-2 in the FA Cup third round, aided by a hat-trick from Diomansy Kamara.

In their most recent league encounter, they also scored a convincing win – a 3-0 triumph over West Brom at Craven Cottage.

Hughes’ squad should be bolstered by the return of Belgian striker Moussa Dembele – missing for eight weeks with an ankle injury – while David Stockdale will again be in goal in place of Australia’s Mark Schwarzer, who is on Asian Cup duty.

Matthew Briggs is still doubtful with a calf injury and Bobby Zamora and Philippe Senderos remain long-term casualties.

For Wigan, striker Victor Moses continues to miss with a dislocated shoulder, James McCarthy is out with an ankle complaint and Tom Cleverley will be unavailable after picking up a hamstring injury in the draw with Bolton.

Chris Kirkland should be ready to resume after missing the Hull game with concussion, while Franco Di Santo could be back after an ankle knock and Charles N’Zogbia is free to return after a suspension.