Bruce prepares for busy period

With Chelsea away on Saturday, West Ham at home on Wednesday night and Sunderland away a week on Saturday will test the resolve of the team as the fight for Europe heats up. Bruce has admitted that he could prioritise games as he looks to make a real effort to make history for the club.

With Mido returning from being ineligible to face Middlesbrough, Bruce has even hinted that he could rest the Egyptian striker at Stamford Bridge to keep him fresh for the visit of West Ham a few days later.

Speaking to the Wigan Evening Post, Bruce said "Mido is an option for Saturday, although I'm also going to look at the fact we've got two games in five days.

"The last time we were in this situation, he didn't quite manage it. Since the Fulham game, we have got him in good shape and we'll see how he is nearer to the weekend.

"It might be too much asking him to play Saturday and Wednesday. That might sound ridiculous to some, and I can understand them thinking that.

"But you've got to bear in mind the intensity at which these players have to play at.

"At Middlesbrough last Saturday, my three midfield lads Lee Cattermole, Michael Brown and Ben Watson, all covered more than 12 kilometres.

"Would you ask an athlete, even without all the bumps and bruises you pick up in football, to run to such a high level twice in a few days?"

Antonio Valencia may be given more time to recover from injury, Daniel de Ridder may be fit to play, Paul Scharner could return and Hugo Rodallega is pushing for a start.