Aston Villa vs Wigan preview - Jenas set for Villa bow

On-loan Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas is in contention to make his Aston Villa debut in the Barclays Premier League clash with Wigan after recovering from a thigh problem.

Record signing Darren Bent has shaken off a groin injury while fellow striker Emile Heskey is also in the frame after a recent hamstring setback.

Villa boss Alex McLeish will give a late fitness test to defender James Collins who suffered an ankle knock against QPR last weekend. Carlos Cuellar, Chris Herd and Eric Lichaj remain sidelined.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is wary of the threat of Charles N'Zogbia, but does not think he is at his best yet with Villa.

N'Zogbia will face his old club for the first time since making a summer switch to Villa Park.

Martinez said: "He is only happy when he is on the pitch and when you get players like that it is just a matter of time before they are successful.

"But it is going to take time to be himself. I hope he hits his best moment of form further down the season.

"If on Saturday he can have a quiet moment it would be much appreciated."

Wigan defender Emmerson Boyce is close to a recall having recovered from the hamstring problem which has kept him out of the last two league matches.

His return would be welcome as Steve Gohouri is suspended having been sent off against Tottenham last week.

Fellow defender Antolin Alcaraz (thigh) and striker Hugo Rodallega (knee) are unavailable.