WIGAN manager Paul Jewell is without two influential players for the Premiership clash with Middlesbrough at the Riverside.

Captain Arjan de Zeeuw is again sidelined with a toe injury, while striker Emile Heskey serves a one-match ban after collecting five yellow cards.

Matt Jackson travels but is doubtful after sustaining an Achilles injury in Wednesday's 2-0 win at West Ham, while winger Antonio Valencia returns to the squad after a four-week lay-off with a hamstring problem.

Ahead of the game, Jewell revealed his belief that coaching qualifications are not worth the paper they are written on.

Jewell insists he is not belittling the courses, but after nine years at the sharp end of management, he feels that badges count for nothing.

It is why Jewell has no intention of criticising Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate éfor not having the right coaching credentialsé.

Southgate was recently given special dispensation by the Premier League to continue as Boro boss, despite lacking the necessary qualifications.

Scenario

The League Managersé Association were up in arms as the rules had again been bypassed, as the same scenario had occurred at Newcastle with Glenn Roeder.

While Southgate is enduring a baptism of fire at the Riverside, where Wigan are tomorrowés visitors, Jewell feels he is learning more now than he would on any course.

éSome of the most highly-qualified coaches in the world wouldnét make a manager for as long as they lived,é said Jewell.

éI understand the rules. If you have to go on these courses and you have to have the badges, then you have to have them.

éWhether I agree is another matter because I learned more in my first week as a manager than Iéve ever done on any course."

Middlesbrough skipper George Boateng will lead out his side after escaping a four-match ban.

The Dutchman had his second red card of the season, awarded after a spat with Tottenhamés Didier Zokora on Tuesday night, overturned on appeal. Lee Cattermole is suspended after reaching five bookings for the season.

Striker Mark Viduka appeared as a substitute in midweek after recovering from broken toes, but Chris Riggott (hamstring) and Andrew Davies (calf) remain on the sidelines. Robert Huth will miss out with a foot injury.

Middlesbrough (from): Schwarzer, Jones, Xavier, Parnaby, Taylor, Woodgate, Pogatetz, Boateng, Downing, Morrison, Rochemback, Arca, Euell, Johnson, Mendieta, Parlour, Yakubu, Viduka, Christie, Maccarone, Graham.

Wigan Athletic (from): Kirkland, Jackson, Hall, Camara, Kilbane, McCulloch, Johansson, Landzaat, Valencia, Boyce, Scharner, Cotterill, Skoko, Baines, Wright, Webster, Pollitt.

Last season: Boro 2 wigan 3

Key opponent: Yakubu - Powerful forward with bags of skill

Prediction: Boro 1 Wigan 1 - Boro are a tough prospect at home but Wigan's win at West Ham will give them confidence

Agee with the prediction? Have your say.

You can get 17/2 on Wigan winning 1-0 with Betfred. For this and more odds, click here.

Tweet