Latics v Everton Preview

Latics come into today`s game knowing that three points will go a long way to securing safety from the dreaded drop, though the recent run of good form that Martinez`s team have enjoyed came to an abrupt end last weekend up in Sunderland, getting back on track today will be a massive boost.

Maynor Figueroa makes a welcome return from suspension and his inclusion in the starting eleven will help make the Latics left a lot more solid, both defensively and in attack.

Everton are chasing Liverpool for 7th spot in the table and following their early season form, this is a remarkable turnaround, recently they have been excellent and last Saturdays defeat to Manchester United was their first defeat in eight Premier League games.

We need the points the most though and that might just be the telling factor, I hope so, a win today and a little pressure will be eased, come on the Latics!

Latics boss Roberto Martinez:

Whoever goes down is going to be too good to go down. There isn`t a team who have been very poor this season and who have only got 15 points.

"We are averaging one point per game. Normally in any league in Europe, that`s good enough to stay up. It doesn`t seem as though that will be the case this season."


Everton boss David Moyes:

'Their style of football under Roberto (Martinez) is a really good style and we have to deal with that. But the situation they are in is similar to those teams.'

'I think he is doing a really good job with what is available to him'

'He wants to play good football but all managers want to win and I am sure he is the same. I am sure he would take not playing well and winning.'

Mike Pollit is the only player out so Martinez has a full squad to choose from.

Latics probable:

Al Habsi; Boyce, Alcaraz, G Caldwell, Figueroa, McCarthy, Diame, Watson, N'Zogbia, Cleverley, Rodallega

Big game needed by Charlie today


By permission of Bernard Platt/Wigan Athletic

Fellaini and Saha are out, whilst Arteta, Baxter, Heitinga and Cahil are rated as doubtful to start.

Everton from:

Howard; Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Coleman, Gueye, Neville, Rodwell, Bilyaletdinov, Cahill, Osman, Beckford, Anichebe, Mucha, Vellios, Mustafi, Duffy, Arteta, Heitinga.

Former Latics favourite Bainsey is having a great season

Latics and Everton have met 12 times previously.

Latics 2 wins, Everton 7, draws 3

Last Six Meetings

11/12/10 - Premier League - Everton 0 Latics 0
30/01/10 - Premier League - Latics 0 Everton 1
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

Lee Mason (Bolton)

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

Lee Mason Card Watch 2010/11

Games - 30, yellows - 118, reds - 5

Head says 1-1

Heart says 2-1 Latics win, as always, go with the heart

Premier League

Aston Villa v Latics
Villa Park
Saturday
7th May 2011
3pm

Latics v West Ham
DW Stadium
Sunday
15th May 2011
4pm

Vital F1 Prediction League - Join now for the British GP

Seconds Out! Vital Boxing is here!