Wigan aim to climb out of bottom three, Bent out to build on debut
Darren Bent will aim to continue his fine start at Aston Villa as they visit Wigan on Tuesday night.
The England striker scored just 18 minutes into his debut against Manchester City on Saturday following his shock £18million move from Sunderland.
And Bent's early effort proved to be the game's only goal, giving Villa their first win in six Premier League games.
Gerard Houllier's struggling side had gone into Saturday's game level on points with third-bottom Wigan but that vital victory has not only given them breathing space but also genuine belief they can climb into the top half.
That was the least that was expected at the start of the season and the Villa board has backed Houllier to lead the team away from danger, sanctioning moves for full-back Kyle Walker (loan) and Lyon midfielder Jean Makoun in the transfer window, as well as the shock swoop for Bent.
Wigan have been fending off interest in their prized asset Charles N'Zogbia, while Villa and Sunderland have been linked with full-back Maynor Figueroa.
But manager Roberto Martinez insists Wigan do not need to sell and he feels his current squad are capable of securing survival, despite still sitting third-bottom after Satuday's 3-0 defeat at Arsenal.
The Latics are without a win in five league games but victory would put them level again with Villa and lift them out of the bottom three before they travel to fellow strugglers West Brom next Tuesday.
There has only been one home victory in the 10 Premier League meetings between the two sides - Wigan's 3-2 victory in April 2006 - and Villa won their last meeting, a 2-1 victory at Wigan last March.
The England striker scored just 18 minutes into his debut against Manchester City on Saturday following his shock £18million move from Sunderland.
And Bent's early effort proved to be the game's only goal, giving Villa their first win in six Premier League games.
Gerard Houllier's struggling side had gone into Saturday's game level on points with third-bottom Wigan but that vital victory has not only given them breathing space but also genuine belief they can climb into the top half.
That was the least that was expected at the start of the season and the Villa board has backed Houllier to lead the team away from danger, sanctioning moves for full-back Kyle Walker (loan) and Lyon midfielder Jean Makoun in the transfer window, as well as the shock swoop for Bent.
Wigan have been fending off interest in their prized asset Charles N'Zogbia, while Villa and Sunderland have been linked with full-back Maynor Figueroa.
But manager Roberto Martinez insists Wigan do not need to sell and he feels his current squad are capable of securing survival, despite still sitting third-bottom after Satuday's 3-0 defeat at Arsenal.
The Latics are without a win in five league games but victory would put them level again with Villa and lift them out of the bottom three before they travel to fellow strugglers West Brom next Tuesday.
There has only been one home victory in the 10 Premier League meetings between the two sides - Wigan's 3-2 victory in April 2006 - and Villa won their last meeting, a 2-1 victory at Wigan last March.
Team news
Martinez must make a change in defence as Gary Caldwell has to serve a one-match ban after being sent off at Arsenal on Saturday.
Antolin Alcaraz remains injured so Emmerson Boyce could come in for his first league start since October.
Midfielder Tom Cleverley (hamstring) is also still out but Chris Kirkland is available again so Martinez has to choose between him and on-loan Ali Al Habsi in goal.
New signing Makoun could make his Villa debut after the Cameroon midfielder was included in their squad for the first time.
Striker Emile Heskey may face his former club after completing a three-match ban for his red card in the 1-0 home defeat by Sunderland.
Walker is hoping to overcome a back injury after missing Saturday's 1-0 win over Man City but Fabian Delph and Stephen Ireland both remain out with knee problems.
Possible starting XIs
Wigan: Al Habsi, Stam, S. Caldwell, Boyce, Figueroa, Gohouri, Watson, N'Zogbia, Diame, Thomas, Rodallega.
Aston Villa: Friedel, Cuellar, Dunne, Collins, Clark, Young, Petrov, Albrighton, Downing, Agbonlahor, Bent.
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