McCulloch in despite transfer request

Wigan midfielder Lee McCulloch retains his place in the starting line-up for today’s clash with Everton at the JJB Stadium despite handing in a transfer request on Friday.

Manager Paul Jewell makes two changes after last weekend’s 4-0 defeat at Chelsea, with Antonio Valencia in for Kristofer Haestad after six weeks out with a hamstring problem, while Denny Landzaat steps in for David Cotterill, who drops to the bench.

Everton show three alterations to the team that drew with Reading, notably with Mikel Arteta returning after a one-match ban.

Alan Stubbs and Simon Davies are also preferred, with Andy van der Meyde, James McFadden and Gary Naysmith making way.

Wigan: Kirkland, Boyce, Hall, Unsworth, Baines, Valencia, Landzaat, Skoko, Kilbane, Heskey, McCulloch.

Subs: Filan, Granqvist, Johansson, Taylor, Cotterill.

Everton: Howard, Neville, Yobo, Stubbs, Lescott, Arteta, Osman, Carsley, Cahill, Davies, Johnson.

Subs: Wright, Van der Meyde, Beattie, Pistone, Anichebe.

Referee: H Webb (S Yorkshire)