The Latics Are Coming

After reading Mark `Lawro` Lawrenson`s prediction for the Spurs Vs Latics game Vital member Phil Blinston (zakidaman) was compelled to write his own, Lawro gave the briefest of briefs, see here, Phil`s gone into a little more detail, over to you Phil:


"The Latics Are Coming"

By Latics Fan, Phil Blinston

We are unpredictable and it works in our favour. Spurs have never lost to Latics at White Hart Lane, but there will be a first time on Sunday.

For me it`s simple. To get any sort of result at Spurs. We have to go there and play slick attacking football. In doing so, we may leave the defence somewhat vunerable, but hopefully, with less to do. Looking at our style, we favour a left footed left winger on the right and a right footed striker on the left. It`s an interesting roll.

N'Zogbia clearly stronger on the left foot has to cut inside, but can take the ball on his right foot and cross the ball in from the wing.

Hugo, a striker, not really a winger, but these days his skill and pace and the use of both feet allow him to play the roll rather well. Again, stronger on the right foot he can turn and twist to cut inside or cross a sweet ball in from the left.

I`m not surprised that most Wigan fans favour these two magnificent players as their favourites.

Jason Scotland will be looking for that ever elusive goal, and this is a game I feel Jason will make his mark. Generally renowned for holding up the ball, I feel Spurs will ignore him at their peril. This is your day Jason.

Paul Scharner, Hendry Thomas and Momo Diame are, in my opinion more than a match for the Spurs midfield. Thomas is playing with a rugged determination, laying off great passes and Scharner in his new role in midfield and is as happy as a teenager. He would one day, make a very good captain for Wigan.

There can be a tendency for Wigan to play a little one sided, thus the left wing a little over played, and I`d like to see the right wing get more involved and in doing so Spur`s won`t know what`s hit them.

Diame is most notably the best of the Martinez signings and is one of the gems without a doubt. He`s got everything, skill, and determination. His ball control and passing are second to none, with great tackling skills to boot.

Charles N`Zogbia has been great value for money from Newcastle, and would slot comfortably into Manchester United`s left wing should they come for him. But on the right wing he is very effective, and again plays with great skill and determination. It is arguable that we don`t use this right flank enough.

Regarding the back four. Titus Bramble and Emerson Boyce have been a revelation. Titus much less on the howlers these days and Emerson making his mark as a very capable goal scorer from time to time, yet both players defend very well.

Everyone loves Mario and though an elder of the Wigan team, he still shows occasional personal brilliance and some great quality of old. Figgy has been solid on the left and again has started to come into his own, more so than ever with the new regime and I believe a move to Sunderland would be a backward step. For the moment Edmund has had to fill his boots, and all things considered, he`s done it admirably.

Last but not least. Kirky. Great shot stopper. Best Wigan keeper we`ve ever had, but sadly, the lad is struggling at times with back problem, yet still turning out performances better than many fit goalkeepers in the Premiership.

In conclusion:

Phil says - Will it be positive or will it be negative.
Lawro says - Will it be Jekyll or will it be Hyde.
Roberto Martinez says - Will we be ourselves or will we be somebody else.

My Verdict

There`s no draw in this game. Winner takes all.

We will be ourselves. We will play the Martinez football with pace and passion, and we`ll get a win 2-1 to the Latics

Phil Blinston

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