THE harsh weather derailed Preston's planned tussle with Bury on Saturday, so Gary Peters will be hoping to get the show back on the road against Wigan Athletic - and their three star Spaniards - this week-end.

The Latics have always proved difficult to break down at Springfield Park and Saturday's encounter should be no different. Gary Peters is certainly relishing the showdown.

"They are going well at the moment and will give us a very hard game," he said. "I'm happy enough with the way things are shaping up. On the injury front we're near enough right, Ian Bryson is our only worry."

With a win and a draw in the bank since the defeat at Barnet, Peters was looking forward to last Saturday's clash with Bury. "I was disappointed that the game was postponed because the pitch was fine," he said.

"The surrounding areas were regarded as a problem so we had no choice really," added Peters. Preston will now have to wait until March 26th to face the promotion contenders from Gigg Lane.

Saturday's visit to Wigan will see North End take on the Latics' three exciting Spanish imports. Isidro Diaz, Jesus Seba and Roberto Martinez have made a big impression since their arrival during the pre-season and added flair to Wigan's play.

Diaz, their top scorer with 11 so far, is the man to watch out for. The sharp-shooting Spaniard's ability in front of goal has been a major factor in Wigan's steady climb this season.

North End, on the other hand, will be looking for more than the 1-1 draw they managed in the corresponding fixture at Deepdale back in August.

Goal-hungry Andy Saville can't wait to get back into his net-ripping ways and could well provide the ammunition for North End to tear apart their local rivals.

With Graeme Atkinson in excellent form at the heart of midfield, Preston should take three points away from Springfield Park. His performances this season have delighted the Deepdale faithful, while the exocet missiles he enjoys launching at the opposition goal have been nothing short of breath-taking.

Preston need a result on Saturday to make life difficult for Gillingham. If Andy Saville has his way, PNE could be even closer to the top at 4.45pm on Saturday.

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