Wigan Athletic - Bruce Ahead of the Fulham Game

Wigan Athletic manager Steve Bruce signalled tonights game against Fulham as a massive game for both clubs but wants the Latics to show some 'bouncebackability` and get the win that they so desperately need, he told reporters:

'It's a big game for us both. Fulham will have had this one pencilled in their diary a long time ago as an important match.

'This is the start of an important spell for us, with Portsmouth away on Saturday, then Stoke at home the week after.

'For all the pats on the back we've had and the phone calls I've got saying how well we've been doing, we still only have eight points from nine games.

'We are under par in that sense, that for me is never acceptable. A club of our size has to get on level par when it comes to a points per game ratio.

'If you are level par you should be okay, there or there abouts. The attitude we need tonight is that we have to bounce back from the heavy defeat to Aston Villa.

'We had a pretty bad day at the office against a good Villa side, although on reflection, I don't think there were really four goals between us.'

Bruce reckons individual errors cost the Latics in the Villa game and lays blame squarely at the foot of Latics central defender Titus Bramble, he continued:

'We've got to get back to being rock solid in defence. Against Villa and Liverpool we weren't solid, and it's something we've been looking at in training.

'However much work we do, one thing you can't legislate for is individual errors, and we made too many on Sunday.

'For example, the penalty Titus Bramble gave away was a silly error, and it's those we have to try and eradicate from his game.

'Titus has made a really good start to the season, been solid, but that sort of error ruins the good work.

'We're hoping to have Melchiot back in defence. It's that time of year when bugs are flying about.

'Melchiot was wiped out by this virus, Edman is ill too - hopefully no-one else will catch it.

'Against Villa we had Melchiot and Valencia missing, a massive loss down the right-hand side.'

Lets hope that the Latics are bug free tonight and can get that win to get back on track

Vital Latics - Hoping to stay bug free ourselves

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