Wigan v Tottenham preview

Wigan look to continue their fine run of form against a Tottenham side buoyed by the return of Jermain Defoe at The JJB Stadium on Sunday.

Steve Bruce’s side have won their last three Premier League games on the bounce, a streak which has seen them climb to seventh place in The Premier League. It has also prompted Latics manager Bruce to entertain the thought of Uefa Cup qualification.

However, their last outing was against Spurs – in the FA Cup – and ended in defeat at White Hart Lane. That should not bother the hosts too much as they have lost only one of their last nine league games and have also won their last four league games at The JJB.

Spurs have failed to score in four of their last six league matches, but that thriftiness in front of goal could all change following the return of fans’ favourite Defoe. The small striker was brought back to the club a year after leaving for Portsmouth by the man who took him to the South Coast, Harry Redknapp. An exciting front pairing with Roman Pavlyuchenko is eagerly awaited by Spurs fans, who have watched their side struggle for form in front of goal this season.

Wigan have never beaten Spurs in The Premier League, drawing four and losing three of their seven meetings, but only Manchester United (23) have earned more points over the last 10 games than Wigan (20).

Interestingly, Redknapp has earned 18 points in his first 12 games as Spurs boss; Juande Ramos and Martin Jol both took 20 in their opening dozen.

Wigan strike duo Emile Heskey and Amr Zaki were both missing for the FA Cup defeat in north London last Friday, and first-choice keeper Chris Kirkland was also an absentee. Bruce will be hopeful of having all three back for the visit of Spurs.

For the visitors Defoe is likely to be handed his second debut which would see Fraizer Campbell drop to the bench, partnering the new boy with Pavlyuchenko, while Jamie O’Hara – a pivotal half-time substitute for David Bentley in the midweek Carling Cup win over Burnley – could replace the faltering wide man in the starting XI.

Jermaine Jenas is available again after suspension, and Ledley King could return from injury. Darren Bent (groin) and Tom Huddlestone (ankle) remain sidelined.

Pivotal Player: Antonio Valencia. Has caused many problems for opposition this season and if his form continues he could well prove the undoing of what has looked an uncertain and often changed Spurs defence.

Prediction: 2-2 

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