Latics v Man City Preview

Wigan Athletic take on Manchester City this afternoon hoping to make it 4 games without defeat and keep the turnaround right on track following the disastrous opening two games.

Latics boss Roberto Martinez will have a selection headache with Charles N`Zogbia looking to reclaim his place in the starting line-up and both Franco Di Santo and Tom Cleverley making impressive debuts as second half subs last time out.

City travel the short distance down the East Lanc`s Road looking to build on their good win in midweek in the Europa League and no doubt they will arrive at the DW Stadium looking for the three points.

Games between Latics and City down the years have always been exciting affairs so here`s hoping for a good game to brighten up a dull, miserable and wet Sunday afternoon

Latics boss Roberto Martinez

The Premier League is getting tighter and many teams are capable of taking points off the top four.

'Chelsea have made a great start, but the season is not going to be decided in the first few months and Man City could easily join that title race.

'They have that strength and talent in that squad. They played one game in the Europa League (on Thursday) and all of a sudden David Silva is back - that is how quickly they can get top players back on form.

'I just feel City will be in that position when December, January arrives and that is the period when you need to peak.'

'We all agree now that Manchester City are one of the glamorous sides in the Premier League, and in European and world football'

'They have achieved that over the last few seasons with their success in the transfer windows and it is only a matter of time before those players click together as a team and they will be competing for the title, I've got no doubts about that.

'We hope it won't be on Sunday, but we are well aware of their strengths. Certain individuals there are world-class talents and when they click as a team, they will be quite difficult to stop.'

City boss Roberto Mancini

"It will be a tough game"

"Their last two games they earned four points and beat Tottenham in London so it will be difficult for us"

"But it is important that we start to get wins and that is what we will be trying to do"

Gary Caldwell is still out but Victor Moses played for the reserves in midweek and could make the bench

Latics from:

Al Habsi, Stam, N'Zogbia, Gohouri, Alcaraz, Figueroa, Thomas, Di Santo, McCarthy, Diame, Boyce, Boselli, Cleverley, Rodallega, Kirkland, Watson, Steven Caldwell, Gomez, Moses

Alcaraz was superb against Sunderland, lets hope he carries his good form on today

Balotelli, Kolarov, Tchuimeni-Nimely and Lescott are all injured whilst Adebayor and Boateng are rated doubtful

City from:

Hart, Richards, Toure, Kompany, Lescott, Wright-Phillips, Jo, Toure Yaya, Milner, Vieira, Barry, Adam Johnson, Silva, Tevez, Given, Zabaleta, Santa Cruz, Boyata.

Skillful, fast, direct and a real class act

Latics and City have met on 19 previous occasions.

Latics 6 wins, City 8, draws 5.

Last Six Meetings

29/03/10 - Premier League - Man City 3 Latics 0
18/10/09 - Premier League - Latics 1 Man City 1
17/01/09 - Premier League - Man City 1 Latics 0
28/09/08 - Premier League - Latics 2 Man City 1
01/03/08 - Premier League - Man City 0 Latics 0
01/12/07 - Premier League - Latics 1 Man City 1

Lee Probert

Why not take a look at our excellent `Meet The Ref` article

Heart says Latics to win 1-0

Head says 1-1

As usual I'll be going with my heart

Carling Cup 3rd Round

Latics v Preston North End
DW Stadium
Wednesday 22/09/2010 7:45pm

Premier League

Birmingham v Latics
St. Andrews
Saturday
25/09/2010 3pm

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