Latics Vs Everton Preview

Everton make the short trip down the East Lanc`s Road to take on the Latics and Roberto Martinez will be well aware of the need to send the Toffees back to Merseyside with nothing but a jar of Uncle Joe`s Mint Ball`s.

Latics sit just two points outside the bottom three and it is fast getting down to the business end of the season, the importance of putting some points on the board hasn`t been lost on Martinez and he feels that the club deserve more than their present total.

On Wednesday Latics lost at Ewood Park against Blackburn after turning round a deficit and looking like they could go on to win only for a defensive lapse to once again cost them the share of the spoils.

Everton are a team in form and they have climbed the table of late after a shaky start and currently they sit in 9th spot on 27 points and they are unbeaten in their last 7 league games with good results away at both Chelsea and Arsenal.

So the Latics will need to be on top of their game today but with home advantage I believe we will prove just too strong for Moyes` team, also the boost of Maynor Figueroa signing a new deal at the club could be a timely boost and come 5pm I predict the points will be staying in Wigan

Latics boss Roberto Martinez

'They've always had an outstanding squad and the quality of player has always been there. Probably early on in the season they couldn't find their rhythm but that's completely different now, I think their most important players are hitting form, they're on the back of some very good results, particularly at home, and we'll have to be at our best to compete and challenge them.

'When we're playing at home we feel confident and know that we can match anyone and it all makes for an exciting game.'

Everton boss David Moyes

"As a manager to come from the Championship to the Premier League isn't easy and I think he is making a good go of it"

"He did really well with Swansea in the lower leagues so I see no reason given time that he will do the same with Wigan."

"I think all the games are tough in the Premier League this year. In every game if you go a goal up the opposition tend to fight back and even if you go two goals up there is no guarantee

"We have been a couple of goals down and got back into it and vice versa so there games are certainly tighter this year."

Chris Kirkland definitely out, Mario Melchiot faces a race to be fit but is classed as doubtful

Latics probable:

Stojkovic, Boyce, Bramble, Caldwell, Figueroa, N'Zogbia, Thomas, Diame, Scharner, McCarthy, Rodallega

Quite simply our player of the season so far

Mikel Arteta has picked up a groin strain and is struggling

Everton from:

Howard, Heitinga, Baines, Distin, Neville, Cahill, Fellaini, Pienaar, Anichebe, Osman, Saha, Vaughan, Donovan, Arteta ,Nash, Senderos, Bilyaletdinov, Duffy.

Fantastic talent and he can dominate the midfield if allowed to

Latics and Everton have met on 10 previous occassions.

Latics 2 wins, Everton 6, draws 2

Last Five Meetings

30/08/09 - Premier League - Everton 2 Latics 1
05/04/09 - Premier League - Everton 4 - Latics 0
24/11/08 - Premier League - Latics 1 Everton 0
20/01/08 - Premier League - Latics 1 Everton 2
11/08/07 - Premier League - Everton 2 Latics 1

Alan Wiley (Burtonwood)

Meet the ref article right here

Heart says Latics win 2-1

Head says 1-0 very nervy home win

FA Cup 4th Round Replay

Latics Vs Notts County
DW Stadium
Tuesday 2/02/10
19:45


Premier League

Sunderland Vs Latics
Stadium of Light
Saturday 6/02/10
3pm

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