Premier League preview: Wigan v Fulham

Wigan will be desperate to lift themselves out of the relegation zone on Saturday when they welcome fellow strugglers Fulham to DW Stadium.

Roberto Martinez’s side are second bottom of the English Premier League after nine matches, level on five points with bottom side Blackburn, after just one win from their opening nine matches.

After beginning their campaign with draws against Norwich and Swansea, Wigan enjoyed a 2-0 win over Queens Park Rangers on August 27.

Since then, however, Martinez’s side have endured a nightmare run of form, losing their past six matches and in their most recent encounter they gave up a goal to Yohan Cabaye in the 81st minute in a 1-0 loss to Newcastle at St James’ Park.

Martin Jol’s Fulham side, meanwhile, are not faring that much better – with seven points from their first nine games seeing them in 17th position, just one point clear of the drop zone.

Since their brilliant 6-0 win over QPR on October 2, they have suffered a 2-0 loss to Stoke and – most recently – were on the receiving end of a 3-1 home defeat to Everton.

Both sides are in reasonable health, with Martinez’s only concerns being hamstring strains to Franco Di Santo and James McCarthy.

The duo missed Wigan’s clash with Newcastle, but Martinez has dismissed fears they could be set for an extended spell on the sidelines.

“Franco had a slight tear in his hamstring but we thought he was going to make it (against Newcastle). James (McCarthy) has got a hamstring problem as well but we hope they will both back with us very soon,” Martinez told Wigan’s website.

Simon Davies is nursing a knee injury for Fulham, but Bryan Ruiz should be better for his half-an-hour cameo against Everton, and Philippe Senderos could be set to resume after a thigh strain.