City Vs Latics Preview

Latics go into this afternoons game against Manchester City hoping to get back to winning ways following the 1-0 midweek defeat at Old Trafford against City`s city rivals Manchester United, a game that saw Wigan`s four match winning streak come to an end.

The euphoria surrounding the Latics since though has been about the future of midfield man Wilson Palacios with the club first rejecting and then accepting a bid from Spurs for the Honduras international.

The accepted bid was believed to be around £14 million but to the dismay of Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy Manchester United first entered the chase to sign Palacios and this was reportedly followed by Manchester City submitting a bid that was, according to reports, significantly higher than the others.

Add to this the fact that the Latics have also offered to give the likeable Honduran a new contract and pay rise Wilson has a decision or two to make, whether Bruce will play him today with so much going on is debatable but Palacios does seem to respond to being in the spotlight.

If he dopes play this could be his last performance in a Latics shirt and I for one would be extremely sad to see a player of his ability and character leave the club

As for todays game lets hope that Latics can keep up their winning ways against what is undoubtedly a talented City side but one that has dramatically under performed this season

Latics boss Steve Bruce:

'It was an unbelievable effort at Old Trafford, and I hope we have something left - because there were a lot of tired bodies after the game.

'I want us to have a good crack at City - they have not had the best of runs in recent weeks.

'But we know they can hurt teams, so it is important we defend properly.'

City boss Mark Hughes:

'Wigan are doing well, they are a wholehearted and committed side who work hard for each other.

'They are a good solid side and if they continue in the same manner as the past few months, they will have aspirations of Europe.

'I am sure Steve Bruce (Wigan boss) will not really want to talk about that but it may well be possible for them.'

Stephen Ireland is suspended and Dietmar Hamann is injured whilst Shaun Wright-Phillips is doubtful with a hamstring pull.

City from:

Hart, Schmeichel, Zabaleta, Onuoha, Richards, Dunne, Bridge, Ball, Ben Haim, Garrido, Wright-Phillips, Kompany, Fernandes, Elano, Robinho, Vassell, Jo, Caicedo, Sturridge, Berti.

Undoubtedly talented and on his day could run a game by himself

No injury worries for Bruce so a fully fit squad to pick from:

Latics from:

Kirkland, Melchiot, Bramble, Scharner, Figueroa, Valencia, Cattermole, Palacios, Taylor, Heskey, Zaki, Boyce, Brown, Koumas, Edman, Camara, Pollitt, De Ridder, Kapo.

Wilson thrives on being in the limelight and all the attention this week could see the skillful Honduran have a magic game for us, lets hope its not his last

Last Season
Manchester City 0-0 Wigan Athletic
Referee Steve Bennett
1st March 2008

All league meetings

Latics 5 wins, City 2, Draws 2

Lee Mason (Bolton)

Card Watch

Games - 9

Yellows - 32

Reds - 2

Heart says Latics to win 1-2

Head says 1-1

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