United Vs Latics Preview

Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce takes his side in to tonights game at Old Trafford against the Premier League champions aiming to do what no other Latics boss has managed to do, take at least a point off Manchester United

Following Maynor Figueroas last minute goal against Spurs on Sunday Wigan have no won four Premier League games on the bounce and find themselves in 7th place just 4 points behind Everton with a game in hand in the chase for European qualification.

United had a good win against title rivals Chelsea at the weekend and with two games in hand on leaders Liverpool will be hoping to take maximum points from their next two games Latics tonight and then Bolton away on Saturday before Liverpool play on Monday

One thing for sure Fergies men cant take the Latics lightly or they could come unstuck

Latics boss Steve Bruce:

'They are a privilege to manage at the moment. They have the bit between their teeth and are having a right good crack at it.

'I hope they can take it into tomorrow because we are going to need it. We are in for an absolutely unbelievably tough game but one which we are looking forward to.

'It is the one where you are going to get tested to the hilt. I've witnessed teams who have been beaten before they even go there because they show far too much respect.

'You just hope our boys can play to their maximum, enjoy themselves, take them on and make sure we don't leave anything in the dressing room.

'With the run we are on at the moment I hope it is the right time. I hope we go on to the biggest stage of all and show it is not a fluke Wigan are in the top 10.'



United boss Sir Alex Ferguson:

'The hard work has not been done just because we have beaten Chelsea. This is a harder one for us. It is one of our games in hand, and we have to win.

'People will expect us to reach the same level of performance as Sunday again. But I have looked at all the statistics, and Chelsea worked amazingly hard - which just shows the level we got to.

'We certainly hope to be top by Saturday night. That is our aim. But it will not be easy, because Wigan are on a fantastic run.

'They are a powerful team with a good balance of ages.'

Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown are all out injured

Always seems to have a stormer against the Latics and find himself on the score sheet

Steve Bruce has a full strength squad to choose from and is expected to name the same starting eleven from Sunday

The energetic Palacios is bang in form at the moment and he could cause some serious damage to Uniteds midfield

Last season

Manchester United 4-0 Wigan Athletic
Referee Mike Riley
6th October 2007

Total League Games

Latics 0 wins, United 6 wins, draws 0

Steve Bennett (Orpington)

Card Watch

Games - 14

Yellows - 53

Reds - 0

Heart says 1-1

Head says 1-1

Premier League
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Eastlands
Saturday
17/01/09
3pm

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