Latics v Southampton Preview

Latics face Southampton at the DW Stadium this afternoon in what is a massive game for both clubs

The second half performances of Martinez's men in their last three Premier League games against Fulham, Sunderland and especially at Stoke on Tuesday, have been very good, the task today is to get that level of performance stretched over the full 90 minutes and not wait until we fall behind

Southampton have been in a good vein of form of late, they were extremely unlucky not to come away with at least a share of the points on Wednesday at Old Trafford when Man United narrowly beat them, this won't be an easy game by any stretch of the imagination, but if we play to our potential then we are good enough to secure the points

Martinez was left frustrated when the transfer window closed, he had tried to strengthen the squad but last minute hitches denied him of some top quality targets, though Paul Scharner returned to the club on a loan deal and he will add experiences and steel to the team

So a big game today but it should be an attractive on, let's get behind the lads from the start

Latics boss Roberto Martinez:

'We can see with the two performances under the new manager what normally happens - it gives a new start for different players in the squad and the squad gets galvanised.

'But it is also fair to say that after their first few games this season, Southampton showed they were ready and used to the new league.

'They have been very, very impressive, so we expect a very difficult game.'

'We have seven games left at the DW Stadium.

'Every single one of those 21 points that are there to fight for are going to be extremely vital.'

Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino

'All games have their complexity and difficulty'

'But in any game, where you have a chance of getting the three points you must keep that mentality and go for the win.'

Boyce looks to have joined the injured list having picked up a hamstring tweak at Stoke, Alcaraz, Miyaichi, Crusat, Watson and Pollitt are all still out

Latics possible - Al Habsi, Golobart, Caldwell, Figueroa, Stam, Beausejour, McCarthy, McArthur, Espinoza, Maloney, Di Santo

The young centre back had a great game at Stoke, let's see if he can carry on where he left off at the Britannia

Jose Fonte and Guly Do Prado are doubtful

Southampton from - K Davis, Gazzaniga, Boruc, Clyne, Richardson, Stephens, Fox, Shaw, Yoshida, Forren, Hooiveld, Ward-Prowse, Cork, Chaplow, Ramirez, Schneiderlin, S Davis, Lallana, Puncheon, Lee, Lambert, Rodriguez.

Class player, been out through injury, looks likely to start today

Latics and Southampton have only met twice before, both on the South Coast, once at the Dell, 25th January 1986, FA Cup 4th round, the Saints won 3-0

August 25th 2012, Premier League at St. Mary's, Latics won 2-0 with goals from Franco Di Santo and Arouna Kone

Andre Marriner (West Mids)

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

Andre Marriner Card Watch 2012/13

Games - 23, yellows - 70, reds - 0

Head says close game but a 2-1 win for the Latics

Heart say's we're going to carry on from the last 45 mins at the Britannia and get a 3-1 win, as always going with the heart

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

FA Cup 4th Round
Huddersfield or Leicester v Latics
To be decided
Sunday
17/02/13
4pm


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

This week in the studio are Barry, Dan, Rob, Greg, Paul and Gareth who discuss in detail the FA cup away day at Macclesfield (00:00), terrace songs and player performances. The Premier League game at Stoke (12:00) is also reviewed, what a great come back, two nil down and almost won it.

There is a preview of Saturday's Premier League game against Southampton at the DW Stadium (30:00)

We finish off the proceedings with a look at potential transfer deadline day signings (47:00)

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

The PWU crew

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