Stoke v Latics Preview

The Latics travel 40 miles down the M6 this evening to take on Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium, as they get back to Premier League ways following their FA cup exploits on Saturday

Sitting in the bottom three Martinez will be determined that his side picks up some points at a Stadium that is traditionally a good hunting ground for the Latics, just one defeat in four previous visits and of course the scene of a remarkable day two seasons ago when Premier League safety was won courtesy of a Hugo Rodallega goal

Stoke though always provide tough opposition, Tony Pulis has his team very well drilled and they will be at the Latics from the off, this will be a night for big performances

Latics boss Roberto Martinez:

'The Britannia Stadium is one of the hardest places to visit in the Premier League'

'We know they have been in a difficult period with their results but they are still in a good position in the table.

'That is a sign of a team that is settled in the Barclays Premier League with a particular style which is always very difficult to play against.

'Stoke have found a way of playing and have got a real combination and they are very good at what they do.

'That's football. You need to be very good in what you do.

'Every time you see Stoke against Wigan they are open games with chances and goals and it is always good to watch. I don't expect anything different.'

Stoke boss Tony Pulis:

'The players will be a bit disappointed because we've had some great runs in the FA Cup but we now have get back on track in the league.

'We need everyone's help and we need to be focused because the Premier League is so important to us and we want to get to 40 points as quickly as we can.

'We certainly need our supporters behind us for what will be a tough game. They're a good side who have been something of a bogey team for us. We've played well for long periods in games against them but not got what we deserved in terms of results.'

Stoke have no new injuries worries ahead of the game

Stoke City from Begovic, Sorensen, Cameron, Wilkinson, Shawcross, Huth, Upson, Whelan, Nzonzi, Walters, Kightly, Etherington, Jones, Whitehead, Crouch, Jerome, Adam, Palacios, Owen, Shotton.

Gangly horrible player, but very effective

Out injured are Ben Watson, Albert Crusat, Ryo Miyaichi, Mike Pollitt, Ivan Ramis and Antolin Alcaraz

Adrian Lopez could return to the starting line-up after recovering from a hamstring strain

Latics possible Al Habsi, Boyce, Caldwell, Figueroa, Beausejour, McCarthy, McArthur, Stam, Jones, Maloney, Di Santo

Maloney makes the Latics tick, big game tonight Shaun please


By permission of Bernard Platt/Wigan Athletic

Latics and Stoke have met 28 time

Latics 7 wins, Stoke 10, draws 11

Last Six Meetings

01 Sep 2012 - Premier League - Latics 2 Stoke City 2
31 Mar 2012 - Premier League - Latics 2 Stoke City 0
31 Dec 2011 - Premier League - Stoke City 2 Latics 2
22 May 2011 - Premier League - Stoke City 0 Latics 1
04 Dec 2010 - Premier League - Latics 2 Stoke City 2
09 Feb 2010 - Premier League - Latics 1 Stoke City 1

Mike Jones (Chester)

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

Mike Jones Card Watch 2012/12

Games - 20, yellows 58, reds - 2

Head say's 1-1

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

Premier League
Latics v Southampton
DW Stadium
Saturday
02/02/13
3pm

Chelsea v Latics
Stamford Bridge
Saturday
09/02/13
3pm


The latest edition of the PWU Wigan Athletic podcast is now available for download and it features a preview of tonights game.

This week in the studio are Dan, Rob, Greg, Mick and Gareth who discuss in great detail the failings against Sunderland (00:00), bad goals conceded and lack of spark. The cup game at Macclesfield (22:00) is also previewed, what a great tie this is, the magic of the FA cup is talked about, slight disagreement amongst the team here.

There is also a preview of Tuesday nights Premier League game away at Stoke (40:00)

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

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