WIGAN midfielder Lee McCulloch is available for selection for Sunday's Barclays Premiership match with Everton at the JJB Stadium despite handing in a transfer request.

Manager Paul Jewell, himself struggling with flu, is again without Arjan de Zeeuw (toe), Henri Camara and Paul Scharner (both knee).

Andreas Granqvist is available after shaking off his own bout of flu, while Antonio Valencia is close to a return following a long lay-off with a hamstring problem.

Mikel Arteta returns to the Everton squad after completing a one- match ban following five bookings.

The Spaniard missed last weekendés home draw with Reading, and Everton hope his return will spark an end to a three-match run without a victory.

Nuno Valente is still out with a knee problem and fellow full-back Tony Hibbert is still a few weeks away from fitness after a long-term groin injury. With veteran David Weir having joined Rangers, youngster Mark Hughes could come into the squad as defensive cover.

Wigan Athletic (from): Kirkland, Jackson, Hall, Kilbane, McCulloch, Boyce, Johansson, Landzaat, Heskey, Cotterill, Skoko, Baines, Granqvist, Haestad, Valencia, Unsworth, Taylor, Cywka, Filan.

Everton (from): Howard, Neville, Stubbs, Yobo, Lescott, Naysmith, Arteta, Carsley, Cahill, Van der Meyde, Davies, Osman, Johnson, Beattie, Anichebe, Vaughan, McFadden, Hughes, Wright.

Last season: Wigan 1 Everton 1

Key opponent: Mikel Arteta - Gifted Spaniard can dictate games

Prediction: Wigan 1 Everton 1 - Looks set to be a tight game with both sides struggling for form

Agree with the prediction? Have your say.

You can get 13/2 on Wigan winning 1-0 with Betfred. For this and more odds, click here.

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