Burnley Vs Latics Preview

Roberto Martinez takes his Latics side the short distance, 17 miles, East to Burnley for this afternoons Lancashire derby fixture against the Clarets in what will be the first meeting between the clubs in five years.

Fresh off another fine display against Manchester City last Sunday Martinez will be eager to keep his sides performance high has they tackle a Burnley side that seem invincible in their own backyard with four straight wins in the Premier League at Turf Moor this season.

The Latics will need to be strong in possession today and the Latics boss will be hoping that both Paul Scharner and Chris Kirkland have recovered from hip and finger injuries to take their place in the starting eleven.

Burnley boss Owen Coyle will be determined to keep their home form going following another loss on the road last week at Blackburn, whatever they do at home they cant seem to replicate away.

So with Turf Moor success apparently vital for the Premier League survival of Burnley we should expect a blood and thunder approach from the home side to day, lets hope that Latics possession football can take some of the sting out of the Clarets play

Latics boss Robero Martinez

'As we know Burnley have an excellent home record this season, the best in the league, and the game is something to look forward to.

'Owen Coyle's team has carried on their momentum from last season and have a solid group of players, who give their team different dimensions.

'We know it'll be a tough environment and the biggest challenge for us will be to impose ourselves on the game and compete against a team with a high tempo and who make it difficult for the opposition to make a break-through.'

Burnley boss Owen Coyle

'Wigan are an established Premier League club and they have shown in beating Chelsea at home and taking a point against Manchester city on Sunday that this is a very good Wigan side, so we will have to be at our very best.'

McCann, Paterson and Rodriguez are all out but Fernando Guerrero should at least make the bench following a bout of hamstring trouble

Burnley from:

Jensen, Jordan, Carlisle, Caldwell, Mears, Alexander, Bikey, McDonald, Elliot, Fletcher Eagles, Blake, Nugent, Thompson,Penny Kalvenes, Duff, Gudjonsson, Guerrero

Always done well against the Latics down the years and scored a cracking goal las wee a Blackburn

Chris Kirkland and Paul Scharner have both sruggled this week and are rated 50/50 though I would be surprised if either didnt start

Latics from:

Kirkland, Melchiot, Boyce, Bramble, Figueroa, N'Zogbia, Diame,Thomas, Scharner, Gomez, Rodallega, Scotland, Pollitt, Cho, Koumas, Sinclair, Kapo, King, Kingson, McCarthy, de Ridder

Gets better each week and oozes class in the centre of the Latics midfield

In 16 previous meetings Latics have 7 wins, Burnley 2 and there have been 7 draws.

Last Five Meetings:

28/12/04: Championship: Burnley 1 Wigan 0
14/09/04: Championship: Wigan 0 Burnley 0
31/01/04: Championship: Wigan 0 Burnley 0
23/08/03: Championship: Burnley 0 Wigan 2
19/02/00: League One: Burnley 0 Wigan 0

Lee Mason (Bolton)

Heart Says a comfortable Latics 2-0 win

Head says a nervy Latics 1-0 win

Premier League

Portsmouth Vs Latics
Fratton Park
Saturday 31/10/09

Latics Vs Fulham
DW Stadium
Sunday 8/11/09
3pm

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