LATICS v BIRMINGHAM CITY
Barclays Premier League
Saturday April 5, 3.00pm
Tickets Available until kick-off (JJB Stadium database only)

Latics manager Steve Bruce has called for a return to the excellent home form which has been such a hallmark of the team since he took over last December.

And he has urged the Latics fans to make a difference again.

Latics are back at the JJB Stadium against his old club Birmingham City on Saturday, where they are unbeaten in four matches, having won three out of four of those games and kept four consecutive clean sheets.

"Our form at home has been great," said Bruce, "and that's what I want the players to emulate this Saturday.

"We've let ourselves down a little over the last two games away from home. Blackburn was disappointing. I felt we did enough to get one if not all three points against Portsmouth but just didn't get the rub of the green.

"That's all forgotten now and the players have been buzzing in the build up to the game on Saturday."

Bruce has been quick to underplay his own role against Birmingham City.

"I spent six years there but the reason I want to win this one is because we're at home against one of our main rivals at the bottom of the table, and a victory would be a massive step towards securing Premier League safety."


FAN-TASTIC: Bruce praises fans support.

Bruce has also congratulated the Wigan supporters for the way they have got behind the team in recent months, and urged them to be there again for the team on Saturday.

"The fans have been great. Bolton was a very difficult game for the spectators, to lose a man so early against your local rivals in such a significant game must not have been easy to take.

"But they saw the effort the players were putting in and responded to that and I would love to see a repeat of that against Birmingham."


Palacios available while Brown is still suspended

Michael Brown and Jason Koumas will still be sidelined on Saturday but Bruce has the option of recalling midfielder Wilson Palacios, who is available again after suspension.

However, the manager is remaining tight-lipped over team selection.

"Wilson has done very well since coming to the club and we have one or two options once again all over the park, which is the way I want it.

"One thing I will guarantee the supporters is that the 16 players selected for the squad against Birmingham City will be mentally and physically ready for another massive challenge."