WIGAN manager Steve Bruce has a few injury concerns heading into the Latics’ season opener at West Ham.

Chris Kirkland (back) and Emile Heskey (groin) have both been passed fit after picking up problems in pre-season, while Jason Koumas (knee) is also expected to be fit.

But Paul Scharner (ankle) and Ryan Taylor (shin) remain doubtful, with Erik Edman (knee ligament) still recovering from a long-term injury and Marlon King unavailable after joining Hull on a season-long loan.

West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand is a doubt with a hamstring injury sustained during the pre-season friendly against Ipswich.

Craig Bellamy (hamstring), Kieron Dyer (broken leg), Jonathan Spector (hip), George McCartney (virus), Danny Gabbidon (stomach), James Tompkins (leg) and James Collins (knee) are out.

West Ham United (from): Green, Stech, Neill, Ferdinand, Davenport, Etherington, Reid, Faubert, Parker, Noble, Behrami, Boa Morte, Ashton, Mullins, Cole, Sears, Collison, Hines.

Wigan Athletic (from): Kirkland, Nash, Pollitt; Boyce, Bramble, Figueroa, Melchiot, Montrose, Scharner; Brown, Cattermole, De Ridder, Kapo, Kilbane, Koumas, Palacios, Taylor, Valencia; Camara, Heskey, Sibierski, Zaki.

Key opponent: Dean Ashton - big striker will be looking for a successful season

Prediction: West Ham 1 Wigan 1 - Both sides have their injury worries and the Latics are capable of an away point

Agree with the prediction? Have your say.

You can get 11/2 on a 1-1 draw with Betfred. For this and more odds, click here.

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