Scharner has certainly become a fans favourite since his arrival from Brann Bergen in 2006. Dying a part of his hair blue and white on his arrival, getting a blow to the ribs from Duncan Ferguson against Everton and his confident performances has certainly made him popular on the JJB terraces. It will be a fantastic landmark for Scharner and hopefully he can bag a goal to celebrate the day.
Of course, Hull are going to be keen on putting things straight after the demolition at the KC Stadium in August. The 5-0 win for Wigan was the biggest Premier League win for the club, even though Hull had put in a steady performance that afternoon. The story of Hull has been a well known one so far this season, but after a phenomenal start, Hull now find themselves in the relegation mix.
A great run in the FA Cup, only to be denied a replay with Arsenal in controversial circumstances, fantastic away points away at Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool show Hull can match the very best on their day and if they are in the mood, they will be in with a chance of taking all three points on Sunday. Jimmy Bullard is injured and will have to wait to make an appearance at the JJB in another teams shirt but Kevin Kilbane should feature.
Last weekend saw Wigan claim a victory away at Sunderland with Steve Bruce opting for a 4-5-1 formation with Mido as the lone front man which surprised a lot of people, including Sunderland which ended the dismal 8 game winless run. Now, Bruce will want a home win to re-ignite the clubs home form which has seen one win this year at the JJB.
Wigan Team News
Antonio Valencia may miss out as the hamstring injury which forced him to out of contention a few weeks ago has flared up again. This ould prompt Bruce into changing the 4-5-1 formation back to the traditional 4-4-2. Amr Zaki may start or even Hugo Rodallega who has not been a regular starter since joining in January. Lee Cattermole is still suspended and Cho Won-Hee should be on the bench.
Predicted Line Up
Kirkland
Melchiot Boyce Bramble Figueroa
Watson Brown Scharner N'Zogbia
Zaki Mido
Key Men for Hull City
Kamil Zayatte - Signed on a permanent basis in January, Zayatte has impressed in his debut Premier League campaign. Zayatte is quick and strong and has formed a good partnership at the back with Michael Turner.
Michael Turner - Zayatte's partner in the heart of the Hull defence and was tipped for an England call earlier in the season. Linked with moves to Manchester City and Newcastle United, Turner quashed these rumours by signing a new 2 year contract extension. Turner will be a threat from corners and free kicks with his aerial presence.
Geovanni - Geovanni has the ability to be a world beater but form has deserted him recently. A great striker of the ball and has superb ability. Can produce moments of magic and is very creative in the hole between the strikers.
Daniel Cousin - A move to Fulham last season failed to materialise while Cousin was at former club Rangers but he is now in the Premier League but not as prolific as he was in Scotland. He is a predator in the box and give him half a chance, he will make a difference.
WIGANER.net Prediction
With the Sky cameras broadcasting the game, both sides will want to show some good attacking football on Sunday. The push for the UEFA Europa League means the game is important for Wigan who will want to win to aid their cause but an entertaining draw could be the result at full time.
WAFC 2-2 HCFC
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