A FREAK injury sustained in training means former Latics' favourite Andy Liddell won't be facing his former club at the JJB Stadium tomorrow.

Liddell will travel with his Sheffield United teammates, but a ruptured thigh injury picked up while practicing crosses, rules him out of the Championship clash.

"I desperately wanted to play against my old club, missing out is a real sickener," said Liddell, who moved to Yorkshire during the summer after scoring 70 goals for the club from 206 starts.

"I could be out for another couple of weeks.

"The injury would be easier to accept if I'd done it in a match."

After the great start made by the Latics, Liddell believes Wigan have the squad to again figure in the promotion race.

But he predicts an evenly-matched contest with Neil Warnock's side tomorrow.

He adds: "We played out two close games last season and I'm sure it will be the same tomorrow.

"This will be the only time I will be hoping Wigan lose!"

While the Blades continue to be linked with Latics' defender Ian Breckin, new Wigan signing Gareth Whalley also makes the trip to Sheffield.

He has signed until the end of the season and could well figure at some point.

Manager Jewell knows three points are a must as the promotion mix up takes shape.

He says: "This club has moved so far forward over the last two years it is unbelievable.

"We now go into matches as favourites expecting to win rather than hoping to pick up a result.

"I enjoy the tag of favourites. It means we are a good team, but enjoying the tag and producing out on the pitch are different things."

Jewell, meanwhile, is again expected to name an unchanged side.

Owner Dave Whelan this week issued a hands-off warning to interested parties in star strikers Nathan Ellington and Jason Roberts.

Wigan need a win after successive draws.

LAST SEASON: Wigan 1 Sheffield United 1.

KEY OPPONENT: Veteran Ashley Ward poses a threat.

PREDICTION: Wigan 2 Sheffield United 0. Tweet