Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson rates tonight's opponents Wigan as a "powerful team".

Seven meetings with their north-west neighbours have brought seven wins for the Red Devils, including the 2006 Carling Cup final and the last-day triumph at the JJB Stadium that earned a 10th Premier League title.

United are also averaging more than three goals a game against Wigan, and if they win tomorrow and against Bolton on Saturday they will be bop of the table.

"We certainly hope to be top by Saturday night. That is our aim," Ferguson confirmed.

"But it will not be easy, because Wigan are on a fantastic run.

"They are a powerful team with a good balance of ages.'