HARRY Kewell knows his Latics side will need a “bit of magic” to upset Championship high-fliers Bournemouth in the FA Cup third round.

The Cherries are the visitors to Boundary Park on Saturday with their main focus this season firmly on returning to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Jason Tindall, who stepped up to replace long-serving boss Eddie Howe, has guided the south coast club to third in the table after winning 1-0 at Stoke last time out.

Where this Saturday’s meeting with Latics ranks in Bournemouth’s priorities is up for debate, but Kewell is focused on what his own side do as they look to spring a shock and reach round four as they did two years ago when famously dumping out Fulham at Craven Cottage.

“It’s a big game, a huge game,” the Latics boss said. 

“It’s going to be a difficult game, they are a fantastic team.

“Hopefully  we  can  create a bit of magic but it’s going to take a lot of hard work, a lot of desire, a lot of discipline.

“Players have got to be up for the challenge, they’ve got to be up for an upset and if things don’t go our way at the start we’ve got to look to fight.

“On the flipside we could go up straight away. It’s going to be an interesting game and I’m looking forward to it.”

Kewell should have plenty of options at his disposal.

Zak Dearnley was on target at Forest Green before the game was ultimately abandoned with Conor McAleny returning to the Latics line-up at the New Lawn.

Danny Rowe was back on the bench after injury but Cameron Borthwick-Jackson missed out and Alfie McCalmont was forced off although Kewell hopes both issues are minor.

“Cameron may be alright, Alfie I think it’s only a dead leg so he should be fine,” he said post-match on Saturday.

“It’s great to see Zak Dearnley start, Tom Hamer back in and Danny Rowe and Conor back in the team as well.”

One issue hanging over clubs is that of increased Covid-19 testing being introduced by the EFL this week.

Clubs below the Premier League have not had to undergo regular coronavirus tests this season, unless players or staff have felt unwell.

The increase in testing, brought in due to the sharp rise in cases nationally that last night saw Prime Minister Boris Johnson tighten restrictions further, is expected to impact on player availability and fixtures taking place as planned.

Latics have already been affected this season after Kewell tested positive back in October, missing three games.