Wolves v Latics Preview

Roberto Martinez takes his Latics side 90 odd miles down the M6 to face Wolves in a must not lose game for both sides, with the prospect of a ninth straight defeat facing Wigan the main objective today has got to be to halt the run.

In fairness the last two games have seen the performance of the Latics improve dramatically, both games should have seen a different result, but when you are bottom then every point becomes doubly difficult to win and the battle is that much harder.

The same could be said for Wolves, McCarthy's side have been on a dreadful run since winning their opening two games of the season, six defeats and two draws but their last performance at Man City was full of fight though they still went down 3-1.

Martinez says 'the stats are there to be broken', well here`s hoping that it's the Latics that get the positive result today. Take the draw? I would

Latics boss Roberto Martinez:

'We feel that after the last two performances we deserve a lot more, but we have been left frustrated and we have to change that'

'I have watched all the games at Wolves this season and the truth is that they have got better options this season than last.

'They can put you under massive pressure and are a team that use the width of the pitch really well as well as having quality players in midfield like Jamie O'Hara who can really find that final pass.

'We need to be ready to cope with that and then be ourselves in order to carry on the good things that we have done in the last two games.'

'This is a key moment in our season as we are at the back end of a very negative run of results but the reality is that we are not concentrating on that.

'The stats are just there to be broken, our main concern is the points tally and we need to increase that and do so as quickly as we can.'

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy:

"He (Alan Pardew) said Wigan were the best team Newcastle have played all season so that filled me full of confidence"

"It's down to us and let me tell you, our crowd at Man City were excellent"

"It's for us to set the tone. We all want the same thing - we all want to win. Certain things change games and change the mood, but I have no problem with them at all.

"It's down to us to play well and go and win the game."

Steve Fletcher is fit again but looks likely to be on the bench.

Wolves from: Hennessey, Stearman, Johnson, Craddock, Berra, Ward, Hunt, Guedioura, Henry, Edwards, Doyle, Ebanks-Blake, Fletcher, Jarvis, Vokes, Hammill, Elokobi

Always looks dangerous in and around the box

Gary Caldwell suspended, Momo Diame should be fit to start following a week recovering from Steve Sidwells tackle.

Latics possible:

Al-Habsi, Stam, Boyce, Alcaraz, Figueroa, Watson, Diame, Jones, Moses, Crusat, Rodallega

Ex-Wolves player Dave Jones is looking forward to today's game. Here's hoping that a returning player as a stormer


By permission of Bernard Platt/Wigan Athletic

Latics and Wolves have met 24 times

Latics have 10 wins, Wolves 12, draws 2

Last six games26/12/2010 - Premier League - Wolves 1 Wigan 2
02/10/2010 - Premier League - Wigan 2 Wolves 0
16/01/2010 - Premier League - Wolves 0 Wigan 2
18/08/2009 - Premier League - Wigan 0 Wolves 1
04/01/2005 - Championship - Wolves 0 Wigan 2
11/09/2004 - Championship - Wigan 0 Wolves 1

Lee Probert (Gloustershire)

Take a look at our excellent 'Meet The Ref' article

Lee Probert Card Watch 2011/12

Games - 11, yellows - 46, reds - 3

Head says 1-1

Heart says Latcis to win by 2 goals, as always going with the heart

Premier League
Latics v Blackburn Rovers
DW Stadium
Saturday
19/11/11
3pm














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