Latics v Sunderland Preview

Latics face Sunderland at the DW Stadium today looking to pick up some points and continue a climb up the table.

The bad news of Ivan Ramis` injury last week was somewhat eased by a very good point away at Fulham that saw us out of the bottom three, now we need to build upon that

Sunderland have had a good run of form, three wins from their last six, but they have also lost three, which suggests that they are a bit hit and miss

All games at this level are tough but we could really do with three points here today

Latics boss Roberto Martinez

'Obviously our away performances and results have been good enough'

'We have been competitive and if you look at the last three performances, including the FA Cup, it is not easy to be consistent away from home and we have done that.

'There are only eight games left at the DW Stadium - a special environment for our players to enjoy playing their football. They are eight finals, eight incredibly important events for us to get as many points as we can.'

'That is something that now we need to take into the home form.

Ivan Ramis and Mike Pollitt have joined Ben Watson, Antolin Alcaraz, Ryo Miyaichi and Albert Crusat on the injury list

Latics probable -Al-Habsi; Boyce, Caldwell, Figueroa, Beausejour, Stam, Jones, McArthur; McCarthy; Maloney; Di Santo.

Just signed a new contract extension and he was fantastic last week at Fulham

Sunderland will miss Wes Brown and Lee Cattermole, who suffered a recurrence of his knee problem in training on Thursday.

Defenders Carlos Cuellar and Danny Rose are doubtful, new signing Kader Mangane could be handed a debut.

Sunderland possible - Mignolet; Gardner, O'Shea, Bramble, Colback; Johnson, Larsson, Vaughan, McClean; Sessegon; Fletcher.

Quality player still looking to find his feet at Sunderland, hope he doesn't stumble on them today

Latics and Sunderland have met 20 times

Latics 7 wins, Sunderland 6, draws 7

Last Six Meetings

29 Sep 2012 - Premier League - Sunderland 1 Latics 0
03 Jan 2012 - Premier League - Latics 1 Sunderland 4
26 Nov 2011 - Premier League - Sunderland 1 Latics 2
23 April 2011 - Premier League - Sunderland 4 Latics 2

11 Sep 2010 - Premier League - Latics 1 Sunderland 1
06 Feb 2010 - Premier League - Sunderland 1 Latics 1

Anthony Taylor (Wythenshawe)

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

Anthony Taylor Card Watch 2012/13

Games - 22, yellows - 43, reds 5

Head syas 0-0

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


The latest edition of the PWU Wigan Athletic podcast is now available for download.

This week we are in the warmth of the studio with sub zero temperatures out doors

Barry, Dan, Rob, Paul and Gareth discuss the great point earned at Fulham (00:00), the Figueroa clearance and the injury to Ivan Ramis. The cup replay at Bournemouth (12:00) is also reviewed, what a good side they are, and the magic of the FA cup, slight disagreement amongst the team

This coming weekend sees Sunderland head to the DW Stadium for a Premier League game and the crew assess our chances of getting something from the game (24:00)

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

FA Cup 4th Rd
Macclesfield Town v Latics
Moss Rose
Saturday
26/01/13
3pm>

Premier League
Stoke City v Latics
Britannia Stadium
Tuesday
29/01/13
7:45pm

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