Manager Steve Bruce rates Emile Heskey "touch and go" for Wigan's Premier League encounter with Aston Villa at the JJB Stadium.

The England striker missed Saturday's win over Newcastle with a sprained ankle and Bruce will give Heskey every chance as the Latics look to complete a third straight home win.

Jason Koumas (groin) is a major doubt, while Wigan's Boxing Day matchwinner Ryan Taylor should shrug off a minor knock.

Villa central defender Curtis Davies has been put on alert to make his first Premier League start for the club as a replacement for the suspended Zat Knight.

Knight is banned for one game after being sent off during Villa's 4-4 draw at Chelsea on Boxing Day. An appeal against the dismissal was rejected.

Davies has been restricted to three substitute appearances in the Premier League since his arrival on loan from West Brom in August.

Villa could also be without left-back Wilfred Bouma as the Dutchman is struggling with an ankle injury.

Gareth Barry could drop back from midfield to cover for Bouma.

Midfielder Stiliyan Petrov is a doubt after being taken ill with a virus on Christmas Day.