Wigan preview

This isn't the easiest of previews to write because I probably know less about Wigan than any other Premiership club because they get so little media coverage. And there isn't much in the way of previous form to go on, beyond a 3-0 drubbing last year.

There was some anticipation that the Lactics might face 'second season blues', but this has not proved to be the case and they are sitting comfortably at 11th in the table. Much of the credit for that must go to their excellent manager Paul Jewell.

This is probably an occasion for 4-5-1, although it would work best if Rommedahl is fit and he could partner Thomas on the wings. Reid and Faye are obvious picks for the next two midfield places. Who the fifth person should be is more difficult. Holland apparently had to go into hospital after he found that he was blind in one eye after last week's match. He was there at Chesterfield, although not on the bench. Hughes and Kishishev both had poor games on Tuesday. Ambrose is the other option, but I was less impressed by his performance as a sub at Saltergate than some people were. So that might imply 4-4-2 after all.

The back line more or less picks itself, assuming that El K can come in to replace the error prone Fortune. Now that Ramadan is over the Moroccan is eating and drinking in the daytime which should boost his performance (that also applies to Faye).

Charlton badly needs three points for this match, but I would take a draw, although I fear it will be a defeat. I hope to see some of you at the JJB stadium tomorrow.
Hooch the Pooch is match analyst and will also be reporting in The Observer on Sunday.