Latics v Everton Preview

Latics entertain Everton this afternoon in what promises to be a tough encounter, David Moyes has got his side on top form at the moment and they are riding high in second spot in the table. By contrast the Latics are finding points difficult to come by, though the performances haven't been too bad

We have been on the wrong end of quite a few disputable refereeing decisions of late, but we don't want to start to feel sorry for ourselves or this could lead to excuses even before the game is played. I'd expect us to take today's match by the scruff of the neck and get at Everton from the off.

Everton are very strong down their left side, Baines and Pienaar forming a great attacking partnership, unfortunately our right at the moment appears to be the weak spot of the team, this is an area that we need sorting out today

Latics boss Roberto Martinez:

Games against Everton have always been close calls, especially here at the DW Stadium'

'They have different dimensions in the way they play, they can stretch you as a team and have the individuals to really penetrate the opposition.

'Their work rate and competitive edge is as good as you'll find anywhere in the Premier League, and they appear to be continuing with the momentum picked up back in January, playing with confidence and smiles on their faces.

'We'll have to be at our best, there's no doubt about that.'


Everton boss David Moyes:

'Roberto Martinez has done a brilliant job and that's why he has been offered two or three different jobs because of how people see what he has done at Wigan'

'Every Premier League game is tough. I've not found one of them that is easy and every game is very close. That's the nature of the league. I think Wigan are a decent team, I really do.

'But we always look forward to the games. When you have confidence and you're playing well, then it makes it a lot easier to go into them. We're enjoying it at the minute.'

Antolin Alcaraz is still out with a groin strain

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

McCarthy, along with his midfield partner, will need to be on top form today


By permission of Bernard Platt/Wigan Athletic

Tony Hibbert (calf) and Darron Gibson (thigh) are both set to miss out, Steven Naismith will face a fitness test

Everton possible - Howard, Baines, Heitinga, Jagielka, Coleman, Neville, Osman, Pienaar, Mirallas, Fellaini, Jelavic

Class player on top form at the moment

Latics and Everton have met 15 times

Latics 2 wins, Everton 8, draws 5

Last Six Meetings

04 Feb 2012 - Premier League - Latics 1 Everton 1
17 Sep 2011 - Premier League - Everton 3 Latics 1
30 Apr 2011 - Premier League - Latics 1 Everton 1
11 Dec 2010 - Premier League - Everton 0 Latics 0
30 Jan 2010 - Premier League - Latics 0 Everton 1
30 Aug 2009 - Premier League - Everton 2 Latics 1

Kevin Friend (Leciester)

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

Kevin Friend Card Watch 2012/13

Games - 5, yellows - 15, reds - 2

Head says 1-1

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

Premier League
Swansea City v Latics
Liberty Stadium
Saturday
20/10/12
3pm

Latics v West Ham
DW Stadium
Saturday
27/10/12
3pm

The latest PWU Podcast, 'The Everton Preview' is now available for download. In the studio this week are Barry, Paul, Rob, Dan and Jimmy discussing the fallout from the Sunderland game, rescinded red cards and hefty fines. Also on the agenda is the Everton game

The podcast is available for download from iTunes, our hosting site www.buzzsprout.com or you can click play on the player below to listen from here

As always feedback is welcome, plus if you want to get involved in the podcast please contact us here at Vital Latics wigan@vitalfootball.co.uk , mark your email Podcast









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