Egyptian striker Mido was deployed as a lone striker during Wigan's 2-1 victory over Sunderland on Saturday.

Zaki, who notched 10 league goals for Wigan but hasn't found the net since scoring against Bolton Wanderers last December, replaced Mido five minutes from time.

That strategy proved effective on several occasions this season, prompting Bruce to think about implementing it regularly.

"The way we set up and played last week frustrated the hell out of Sunderland. It was a good game-plan," he told the Evening Post on Thursday.

"To score two goals away was great, but the problem now is what we do for this weekend when we play Hull.

"Some people will call it a 4-3-3, others a 4-5-1, and it's certainly worked well for us if we've used it in away games.

"There is no reason why it can't work at home. Chelsea play that way, and I've seen Manchester United use it too, in fact a lot of teams do."

Mido, who joined the Latics from Middlesbrough on loan until the end of the season, is likely to occupy the lone striker role should Bruce decide to rely on one man rather than two upfront.

Zaki, who is on loan from Cairo giants Zamalek, and Colombian Hugo Rodallega will probably serve as his back-ups.