Latics v Swansea Preview

Wigan Athletic face Swansea City today in a game that the Latics just have to win, stuck at the foot of the table with the season end in sight, it's now or never

The Latics haven't the best home form but the Swans don't travel well either so both camps will see this as an opportunity to get points on board.

Last time out Martinez's men put in a good show against Villa, a succession of chances though went begging and it's the inability to kill off teams that has been the downfall of the Latics this season. A little more clinical in front of goal and we'd be in a much loftier position in the table

Roberto Martinez of course managed Swansea prior to his appointment at the Latics, no doubt they would love to put one over their old boss in his own backyard, so that will add extra spice to the game. Even so I expect a home victory this afternoon

Latics boss Roberto Martinez:

'Every game is a must-win game at home

'If you look at the amount of points we have at home this season it is nowhere near the level we have produced in our performances.

'Sometimes it was something we couldn't control and other times it was because we have not been able to be clinical enough.

'The reality is when you are facing the last six games of the season at home you must use all the good things we have done and make sure we perform as well as we can to affect every small margin to get the scores we deserved.

'We need those points to catch up and get out of the position we are in.'

Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers:

'I think every manager has made their mark here'

'Roberto laid the foundations in relation to the philosophy and way of playing. He is a great manager and someone who did a terrific job during his tenure at Swansea.

'He's done a terrific job at Wigan in the last few seasons, they are fighting for their lives and we know it's going to be a tough game.'

'We are just looking at winning the next game, we're not jumping the gun and there's still a lot of work to do

'But I have never thought about getting relegated from this league, we just want to keep picking up points and see where it takes us at the end of the season.'

Gary Caldwell has a nasty cut on his leg but should be fit to play, both Antolin Alcaraz and Maynor Figueroa will have late fitness tests

Latics probable - Al-Habsi, Boyce, Alcaraz, Caldwell, Figueroa, Beausejour, McCarthy, McArthur, Gomez, Moses, Di Santo

Beausejour has been excellent since joining from Birmingham

Jean Beausejour - Making a good impression

By permission of Bernard Platt/Wigan Athletic

Kemy Agustien is out with an ankle injury

Swansea from - Vrom, Williams, Rangel, Taylor, Caulker, Britton, Dyer, Moore, Allen, Sigurdsson, Graham, Sinclair, McEachran, Routledge, Gower, Lita, Monk, Tate, Tremmel

Sinclair has been in good form for the Swans these past two seasons since he was at the Latics

Latics and Swansea have met on 20 previous occasions.

Latics 10 wins, Swansea 7, draws 3

Last Six Meetings
20/08/11 - Premier League - Swansea 0 Wigan 0
26/10/2010 - Carling Cup - Wigan 2 Swansea 0
6/01/2001 - League Div 2 - Wigan 2 Swansea 0
2/08/2000 - League Div 2 - Swansea 0 Wigan 0
5/01/1997 - League Div 3 - Wigan 3 Swansea 2
9/10/1996 - League Div 3 - Swansea 2 Wigan 1

Andre Marriner (Birmingham)

Take a look at our 'Meet The Ref article

Andre Marriner Card Watch 2011/12

Games - 17, yellows - 59, reds - 3

Heart and head says 2-1 Latics win

Premier League

Norwich City v Latics
Carrow Road
Sunday
11/03/12
4pm

Latics v WBA
DW Stadium
Saturday
17/03/12
3pm













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