Latics v Spurs Preview

The Latics hope to get back on track by getting some points from this afternoons home game against Spurs following two away defeats at Manchester City and Everton.

The bright start to the season has been brought to a sudden halt and Martinez will be hoping his troops can overcome their mini injury crisis to take something from the game, the form of Franco Di Santo has been a big plus so far and if the big Argentine can carry on today in the same vein that he's started the season then there could well be some reward at the end of the 90 minutes.

Spurs have also got a bit of an injury crisis, but the quality through their squad allows them to carry this a little easier than the Latics. Luka Modric was in scintillating form last week as Liverpool were swept aside at White Hart Lane and midfield just may prove to the area where this game will be won or lost

A testing game for the Latics, but one that, with the right approach, can be passed, come on lads, a big performance today...please

Latics boss Roberto Martinez

'If we are going to win on Saturday it will be because we will be outstanding and not how poor Spurs will be.

'It will be a big mistake if you focus on one or two players of Spurs because you will get damaged by the others so you need to be careful.

'It is difficult because if you put so much attention on Gareth Bale then you will give too much time to Luka Modric, Scott Parker, Jermain Defoe or Emmanuel Adebayor - and the list goes on.

'You need to be well-balanced and keep the ball well. When you play against a side like Spurs you need to be perfect as they have no real weaknesses. They are in a great moment of form and are getting stronger and stronger.'

Antolin Alcaraz, Hugo Rodallega and Steve Gohouri are definitely out

Latics possible:

Al-Habsi, Boyce, Lopez, Caldwell, Figueroa, Watson, McCarthy, Diame, van Aanholt, Moses, Di Santo

Our Argentine ace is on fire at the moment

Franco's got his mind on the battle

By permission of Bernard Platt/Wigan Athletic

William Gallas, Aaron Lennon, Michael Dawson, Tom Huddlestone, Steven Pienaar, Niko Kranjcar and Roman Pavlyuchenko are all ruled out, Benoit Assou-Ekotto is rated as doubtful

Spurs possible:

Freidel, Walker, Kaboul, King, Bale, Sandro, Parker, Modric, van der Vaart, Defoe, Adebayor

World class player and a joy to watch when he's on song

The Latics and Spurs have met 13 times

Latics 2 wins, Spurs 6, draws 5

Take a look at our excellent 'Stat Attack' article for more info on this fixture

Last Six Meetings
02/04/11 - Premier League - Latics 0 Spurs 0
28/08/11 - Premier League - Spurs 0 Latics 1
21/02/10 - Premier League - Wigan 0 Spurs 3
22/11/09 - Premier League - Spurs 9 Latics 1
11/01/09 - Premier League - Latics 1 Spurs 0
02/01/09 - FA Cup - Spurs 3 Latics 1

Jon Moss (West Yorks)

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

Jon Moss Card Watch 2011/12

Games - 5, yellowes - 16, reds - 1

Head says 1-1

Heart as to say Latics win 2-1, as always going with the heart

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