Latics v Fulham Preview

Latics face Fulham this afternoon in what promises to be an entertaining game, Martinez will want his team to get back on track following a dismal second half showing away at Manchester United last Saturday, whilst his Fulham counterpart Martin Jol will be desperate for Fulham to make their mark on the road after some fine form at Craven Cottage

Latics are virtually at full strength with just Antolin Alcaraz doubtful, Martinez is likely to start with the same team that began the game at Old Trafford, whilst Fulham have strikers Ruiz and Petric fit again after injury, this could well put pressure on former Latics favourite Hugo Rodallega, now of course amongst the Fulham ranks, he hasn't found the net yet for his new employers, though Jol has hinted strongly that the Colombia international will play today

A win would be a great way to get last weekends defeat out of the system, but Fulham will provide a stern test, they are a very good side in good form, couple this to the fact that they appear to be a bit of a bogey team for us, we haven't beaten them since 2006 and only managed to muster two wins against the Cottagers in our Premier League years, here's hoping we can lay that to rest today

Latics boss Roberto Martinez:

'We're looking forward to Fulham, we know that they've made a few changes this season

'They're a very well balanced side, we know them well and they have a very strong group of players'

'Their new players coming in have settled in really well and they have experience all over the pitch

'More than anything though it's about our performance

'We finished poorly in our last game against Manchester United, we want to make sure we start this one strong'

Fulham boss Martin Jol:

'When we last played Wigan they were on a high because they changed their system and had four wins and a draw'

'We were the only team who beat them so hopefully we can come up with the same answers.

'Last season we managed to get four wins away from home and a couple of draws which was not good, but it wasn't bad either. I always say that if you get five or six away wins then I think we will do well.

'I think it's always the same in away games; you have to keep a clean sheet and score a goal - preferably an early goal because that gives you a cushion.'

Antolin Alcaraz is the only doubt with a groin injury

Latics probable - Al Habsi, Ramis, Caldwell, Figueroa, Boyce, Beausejour, McArthur, McCarthy, Maloney, Di Santo, Kone

Maloney is the player who makes the Latics tick


By permission of Bernard Platt/Wigan Athletic

Fulham have Simon Davies, Dejagah, Diarra, Frei, Richardson and Senderos all out, but Ruiz and Petric are back

Fulham from - Schwarzer, Reither, Hughes, Hangeland, Riise, Duff, Sidwell, Baird, Kacaniklic, Berbatov, Rodallega, Kelly, Karagounis, Trotta, Briggs, Kosami, Smith, Ruiz, Petric

Just has to be our Hugo


By permission of Bernard Platt/Wigan Athletic

Latics and Fulham have met 40 times over the years

Latics 10 wins, Fulham, 17, draws 13


Last Six Meetings

21/04/12 - Premier League Fulham 2 Latics 1
29/10/11 - Premier League Latics 0 Fulham 2
15/01/2011 - Premier League - Latics 1 Fulham 1
30/10/2010 - Premier League - Fulham 2 Latics 0
04/04/2010 - Premier League - Fulham 2 Latics 1
08/11/2009 - Premier League - Latics 1 Fulham 1

Lee Probert (Gloucester)

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

Lee Probert Card Watch 2012/12

Games 2, yellows 9, reds 0

Head says close game 1-1

Heart says Latics win 2-0, as always going with the head

Capital One Cup Rd 3
West Ham v Latics
Upton Park
Tuesday
25/09/12
7:45pm

Premier League
Sunderland v Latics
Stadium of Light
Saturday
29/09/12
3pm

The Latics v Fulham Preview Podcast



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