WIGAN Athletic's midfield dynamo Jimmy Bullard is likely to be a marked man in tonight's top-of-the-table clash with Sheffield United.

Blades boss Neil Warnock has identified the skilful former West Ham junior as the player who makes leaders Wigan tick.

Warnock said: "Bullard is a quality player. He's very clever and as good as anything in this division.

"Wigan are a good side and we're expecting a very tough game."

Warnock is not surprised to see Wigan setting the pace. He added: "They did very well last year and have obviously maintained their good form.

Injuries

"Paul Jewell is a hard working lad doing a fine job who had the misfortune to be in charge of Sheffield Wednesday when the club was in such a mess.

"His record at Wigan speaks for itself.

"We've had an horrendous injury list and this is yet another testing away game" added Warnock, who revealed he tried to sign Wigan midfielder Tony Dinning on loan earlier this season.

Former Bury player Jason Jarrett could start tonight ahead of Dinning who has been substituted in the last two games. Ian Breckin has a shin injury but will play.

Jewell said: "Sheffield United have a good blend of youth and experience. They'll be up for it and, knowing Neil, his team will scrap.

"We want to kick on from where we are and not be the team who suddenly start to fall away.

"I keep on asking the players for more and more but just three defeats in more than 50 games is as good as anything in football.

"We weren't at the races against Gillingham on Saturday and the players were disappointed because they knew they hadn't performed.

"We have to perform in this one because it's one very big game."

Last season: Different divisions

Prediction: Wigan 1 Sheffield United 1

Key opponent: Michael Brown - perhaps the best midfielder in the division.

BETFRED:

Wigan 3/2 Draw 11/5 Sheff Utd 3/2

Correct Score
Wigan To Win
1-0 13/2
2-0 12/1
2-1 10/1
3-0 28/1
3-1 20/1
3-2 28/1
4-0 80/1

1st/Last Goalscorer In Match
Ellington 5/1
Horsfield 5/1
Liddle 7/1
Roberts 7/1
McCulloch 15/2
Bullard 10/1
Dinning 14/1
Kennedy 14/1
Teale 20/1
Jarrett 25/1
Eaden 33/1
Jackson 40/1
Breckin 40/1

Ellington & Wigan 2-0 55/1
Horsfield & Wigan 2-1 50/1
Liddle & Wigan 3-0 150/1

Others odds available on request. Prices subject to fluctuation. Ring BETFRED on 0800 73 11 210

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