Manchester Utd v Latics Preview

Roberto Martinez takes his side the 15 miles down the East Lanc`s Road looking to do what no other Latics boss has ever achieved against Manchester United, avoid getting beat.

An abysmal record against United, but Martinez is renowned for turning records on their head and although the Latics are sound second favourites today, it still wouldn`t come as too much of a surprise if some sort of result was achieved.

The big talking point of the game is the will he, won`t he start debate, obviously a massive player and talent but Victor Moses looks to be more influential at the moment as an impact player.

The other will he, won`t he concerns Rooney and that will be the focus of the press no doubt. Fergie always likes to throw a surprise so I think the overpaid lemon sucking skulk will be on from the start.

I hope we put some sort of a show on today, too many times we have faced Manchester United and simply not turned up.

Latics boss Roberto Martinez:

'When we play against United it must not be about them, it`s about ourselves.

'We need to find a way to work hard, and obviously enjoy the occasion, but it`s all about what we can produce.

'If you look at our record against United we`ve never even got a point, but my biggest concern is for us to be prepared mentally and to be ready to play against a fantastic team.'

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson:

'There are surprise results coming about.

'We saw some evidence of that last season and it has been the same this season.

'There is a bit of inconsistency about Wigan - but they are a capable side.

'They beat Tottenham at their place, had a good result against West Brom and drew with Liverpool.

'I think they seem to be turning the corner in terms of consistency.'

'Roberto gets the rewards himself by sticking to his philosophy and what he believes in, which is good.

'It shows he has strong management.'

Antonio Valencia is obviously a long way off, Wyane Rooney will more than likely get a place on the bench, whikst Paul Scholes is also available after serving a one match ban, both Ryan Giggs and Rafeal Da Silva are fit to return after injury.

Manchester United from:

Van Der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Nani, Carrick, Fletcher, Park, Smalling, Berbatov, Obertan, Hernandez, Macheda, Amos, Fabio, O'Shea, Gibson, Scholes, Giggs, Rafeal, Rooney.

If he does feature at some stage it will be interesting to see the crowds reaction to their top paid player

James McCarthy, Gary Caldwell and Emmerson Boyce are all out injured, Tom Cleverley is ineligible

Latics from:

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

On top of his form and Charlie just loves playing against the big boys

There have been eleven previous meetings between the Latics and Man U

The Latics have lost all eleven

Last Six Meeting

30/12/09 - Premier League - Man Utd 5 Latics 0
22/08/09 - Premier League - Latics 0 Man Utd 5
13/05/09 - Premier League - Latics 1 Man Utd 2
14/01/09 - Premier League - Man Utd 1 Latics 0
11/05/08 - Premier League - Latics 0 Man Utd 2
06/10/07 - Premier League - Man Utd 4 Latics 0

Martin Atkinson (West Yorks)

Why not take a look at our fantastic 'Meet the Ref' article

Martin Atkinson Card Watch

Games - 12, yellows 44, reds 5

Head says United to win 2-0

Heart says 1-1 draw

As always going with the heart

Premier League

West Ham United v Latics
Upton Park
Saturday
27/11/10
3pm

Vital F1 Prediction League - Join now for Monaco