Chelsea v Latics Preview

Wigan Athletic travel to Stamford Bridge today to take on Chelsea in what is a vitally important game for both clubs, Chelsea chasing a top four finish, whilst the Latics are fighting for Premier League survival

Both teams have found a good bit of form recently and the game promises to be a fascinating affair, the Latics have shaken off their shackles and are playing with a freedom that belies their position in the bottom three.

Chelsea had a great result midweek that saw the West London club reach the last four of the Champions League, so confidence will be high with the Pensioners but they do have a few injury concerns

Latics boss Roberto Martinez:

'You can prepare for any game on the tactical and physical side of things.

'But there's nothing that can replace the mental side when it comes down to confidence and belief from good results.

'Right now, mentally and psychologically we are strong, we've real belief and are very confident, and that helps with every other aspect of the game.

'We're aware going to Stamford Bridge is a huge ask, and there are not many people expecting us to get anything out of the game.

'So this is a real important moment for us to realise what we have to do to be as good as we can be.'

Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo:

'What's important now is the club, Chelsea, and this group of players. They have to achieve the targets. Nothing else is important.

'It's not just about the next six games. We have to fight and show desire to win to the last game because will be fighting for fourth to that last game.'

John Terry, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard are all set to miss out through injury

Chelsea from - Cech, Ivanovic, Luiz, Cahill, Mikel, Torres, Kalou, Ramires, Sturridge, Mata, Malouda, Essien, Turnbull, Bertrand, Bosingwa

Looks like Torres is finally finding a bit of form

Rodallega is still out but Diame should have recovered enough to get a place on the bench

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

Pace for the counter attack could see Moses playing a prominent role for the Latics today



By permission of Bernard Platt/Wigan Athletic

Latics and Chelsea have met 18 times

Latics 3 wins, Chelsea 12, draws 3

Last Six Meetings

17/12/11 - Premier League - Wigan 1 - 1 Chelsea
09/04/11 - Premier League - Chelsea 1 - 0 Wigan
21/08/10 - Premier League - Latics 0 Chelsea 6
09/05/10 - Premier League - Chelsea 8 Latics 0
26/09/09 - Premier League - Latics 3 Chelsea 1
28/02/09 - Premier League - Chelsea 2 Latics 1

Mike Jones (Chester)

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

Mike Jones Card Watch 2011/12

Games - 26, yellows - 100, reds - 9

Head and heart in agreement this week, 1-1

Premier League

Latics v Manchester United
DW Stadium
Wednesday
11/04/12
7:45pm

Arsenal v Latics
Emirates Stadium
Monday
16/04/12
8pm













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