Home isn`t so sweet for Bruce

Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce is a little concerned over the number of points that the Latics have managed to accumulate at home this season and he puts it down to teams showing the Latics too much respect, he told reporters:

'I think we've been a victim of our own success really.

'Teams probably come to us and set their stall out thinking, 'we're going to be in for a tough afternoon here at Wigan', and maybe they're cautious. Whereas in the past they've thought, 'this is a wonderful chance for us to get three points'.

'Away from home with been very pleased with what we've done and we now have two home games, starting with Everton on Tuesday, and we'll look to start making a success of our home form because that's going to be vital.'

Bruce appreciates the way sides set their stall out at the JJB and admits that it is something that the Latics also do on their travels and this has had its rewards this season with wins at Hull and Portsmouth, Bruce continued:

'It can be easier to play away from home and use the counter-attack. You're not there to entertain your public and you can set your stall out and be difficult to play against.

'When you're the home side the onus is on you to go and win the game, which I think every manager tries to do, but it can make it easier to play away from home sometimes.'

Bruce feels that Latics haven`t had the rub of the green with some of the decisions and concedes that there should be more points on the board, he continued:

'We could be six or seven points better off than we find ourselves with at the moment.

'I think it's been well documented that we've had some horrific decisions go against us, but I don't want to make that an excuse.

'It's a difficult stage of the season, approaching Christmas, with games coming thick and fast. But our performances have been decent for the vast majority of the season and we hope that continues.'

Well lets hope that the trend turns tomorrow and we can get a home win against an average Everton side who no doubt will come with a defensive approach to the game.

Vital Latics - Hoping for a home win

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