WIGAN winger Lee McCulloch is a serious doubt ahead of the Premiership match with Liverpool at Anfield.

McCulloch sustained a foot injury in Sunday's 3-3 draw with Tottenham and although x-rays confirmed no break, there was severe bruising.

David Unsworth continues to struggle with a groin strain, while Antonio Valencia serves the second game of a three-match ban.

Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland and centre-back Fitz Hall will miss the rest of the season after shoulder surgery and a knee injury respectively.

Liverpool will have both Craig Bellamy and Xabi Alonso back in their squad for the game, which is also a major boost for boss Rafael Benitez ahead of next week’s Champions League semi-final first leg at Chelsea.

Bellamy has recovered from a knee injury which had kept him out for two games, while Alonso missed the midweek win over Middlesbrough with a thigh strain.

John Arne Riise will play his 300th game for the club with Jose Reina in line for his 100th.

Liverpool (from): Reina, Finnan, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Agger, Riise, Pennant, Gerrard, Alonso, Sissoko, Mascherano, Zenden, Bellamy, Crouch, Fowler, Kuyt, Dudek, Gonzalez.

Wigan Athletic (from): Filan, Granqvist, Jackson, De Zeeuw, Camara, Kilbane, Heskey, McCulloch, Johansson, Landzaat, Aghahowa, Scharner, Skoko, Taylor, Folan, Cywka, Cotterill, Baines, Boyce, Unsworth, Pollitt.

Last season: Liverpool 3 Wigan 0

Key opponent: Steven Gerrard - Liverpool's driving force and always a goal threat

Prediction: Liverpool 2 Wigan 0 - The Latics are up against it at Anfield

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For all the latest odds on the game with Betfred, click here.

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