Latics v Bournemouth Preview

So it's FA cup 3rd round day, this was once the biggest day in the football calendar for Latics fans, now it seems that to most it is an inconvenience, for me though the cup still holds all it's magic and we have a great tie to look forward to

League 1 side Bournemouth are in town, they are brimming with confidence, not lost since the beginning of October, playing great football and a bright young manager, Eddie Howe, in charge, the Latics have a tough game ahead

Undoubtedly Martinez will ring the changes, some of the first team players have looked a little jaded of late, new guys Espinoza and Henriquez are in line for starts, Miyaichi and Dicko are also expected to make some contribution

A game to look forward to, personally I can't wait

Latics boss Roberto Martinez

'It's the return of the most famous competition in world football that brings with it tremendous memories for every club, and we're certainly looking forward to it returning to the DW Stadium.

'They'll (Bournemouth) bring a winning mentality to the game with an unbeaten run that stretches back to early October which at any level is a tremendous run of form.

'When Eddie went back to the club it seemed a natural move for him which brought stability that has been reflected in results.

'In my eyes they're easily growing towards a promotion push playing football in the right manner, and we're under no illusion that they'll prove to be stiff opposition.

'There is a good mix of experience and young players in the team and I'm sure they're destined for success this season.

'I think it will all build towards an open game of football; in the FA Cup divisional status doesn't matter so we need to make sure that we're ready to compete in a special tie.'

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe

'I expect a good football match

'I expect them to play the same way they always do. They've got their philosophies and a clear way of playing so we've got to be prepared for that challenge.

'They've got Premier League players and a big squad of players to choose from. Roberto will want to win the game. He may mix the squad up, but whatever team he puts out will be very competitive.

'We are going to go there and try and cause them problems as well. I don't think we can go there and defend for 90 minutes, we've got to make sure we do our bit and play the way we do. I think that is very important.'

'The lads are really excited about the game and can't wait to test themselves against quality players'

'I think it is a really good game for us, a really good challenge. They are a very good established Premier League side with an excellent manager and a really good way of playing so it will be a real test.

'We've got to make sure we are competitive and organised and stick to our game plan.'

Martinez has hinted at making a host of changes, new signings Roger Espinoaz and Angelo Heriquez should start and we may even see Nouha Dicko given a run out after the youngster returned from hi loan spell with Blackpool

Home debut, highly rated combative midfield man, can't wait



By permission of Bernard Platt/Wigan Athletic

(courtesy of Vital Bournemouth) The Cherries have used the FA Cup as a chance to rotate the squad and rest certain players for the League One promotion campaign.

David James has sat out both games thus far in the FA Cup with Shwan Jalal stepping in and this could happen again on Saturday.

Shaun MacDonald, Miles Addison, Darryl Flahavan, Stephen Purches and Charlie Sheringham all remain on the sidelines.

If picked, could be an interesting day for the ex-England shot stopper

Latics have played Bournemouth 36 times in all competitions

Latics 14 wins, Bournemouth 13, draws 9

Last Six Meetings

20 Sep 2005 - Carling Cup - Latics 2 AFC Bournemouth 0
39 Dec 2001 - League Division 2 - Latics 0 AFC Bournemouth 0
09 Oct 2001 - League Division 2 - AFC Bournemouth 2 Latics 0
17 Mar 2001 - League Division 2 - Latics 1 AFC Bournemouth 1
17 Oct 2000 - League Division 2 - AFC Bournemouth 0 Latics 0
06 May 2000 - League Division 2 - AFC Bournemouth 2 Latics 2

Bobby Madley (Wakefield)

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

Bobby Madley Card Watch 2012/13

Games - 18, yellows - 47, reds - 3

Head says very close game 2-1 Latics win

Heart say's no problems, 2-0 Latics, as always going with the heart

Premier League
Fulham v Latics
Craven Cottage
Saturday
12/01/13
3pm

Latics v Sunderland
DW Stadium
Saturday
19/01/13
3pm


The latest edition of the PWU Wigan Athletic podcast is now available for download. In this the first recording of 2013 the panel is Barry, Dan, Rob, Gareth and Paul.

Under discussion this week there are the Aston Villa and Manchester United (08:30) reviews. Next up is the Bournemouth preview (23:00), this should be a good game. Other topics discussed along the way are new signings, finances and Mauro Boselli

If you would like to get involved in the podcast or have any topics that you'd like to be discussed please get in touch at wigan@vitalfootball.co.uk marking your email PWU Podcast

The podcast can be downloaded from itunes or via our hosting site www.buzzsprout.com or by simply hitting the play button on the embedded player below



Thank you very much for listening, your support is very much appreciated

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