Peter Atherton would love to upset his neighbours on Saturday.

City's experienced defender still lives in Wigan where he began his professional career.

But this weekend will be the first time he has faced his local team when the Bantams head for the JJB Stadium.

Atherton admitted: "My ambition is to go and win that game but I might have to lie low afterwards.

"As soon as the fixtures came out this was the first one I looked out for. I expect a bit of stick and there's been a lot of banter with friends and supporters over there.

"But I'm sure they'll respect the fact I'm a Bradford player and for 90 minutes I'll be doing my best to beat them.

"I've nothing to prove back there but it will be nice to play in the new stadium, especially being in my home town."

Atherton believes Wigan have surpassed expectations with their fast start in Division One.

He added: "The way they won the league last season they would have been looking to keep that going but first and foremost they were bidding to stay up.

"They've certainly over-achieved on that. The club are on a massive high and if they can keep that going it will be good for the town as well.

"There is a long way to go, but what Wigan have achieved so far has been magnificent."