Wigan are full of confidence after their convincing win last week at Reading. And they continue their league run in with a growing squad - Alcaraz is the latest to return and Miyaichi isn't far behind. Martinez now has some real alternatives for the first team.
The gulf between the two clubs has closed in recent years - Liverpool haven't managed a win in their last five visits to Wigan. But Suarez and Sturridge, if fit, can pose a problem for any defence.
Let's hope that Kone enjoys a good day and that Liverpool suffer one of their off days.
Wigan home to Liverpool
posted on 1/3/13
Go out and smash the dirty scousers!!
posted on 1/3/13
Bit nervous about his one to be honest. Wigan have become a bit of a bogey team for us in recent years.
posted on 1/3/13
I'm hoping we're alright, we normally slip up in these case when we're at home and the keeper plays a blinder.
posted on 1/3/13
The gulf between the two clubs has closed in recent years
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posted on 1/3/13
It should be an entertaining game. The two managers - and therefore the two clubs - have a lot in common.
Martinez built the foundation for Swansea's successful style. He was succeeded there by Rodgers. Martinez was approached to manage Liverpool, where Rodgers was eventually appointed.
Liverpool have the greater resources but Wigan, at full strength, should give them a good game. Wigan can certainly take something from this game.
posted on 3/3/13
Ha ha 4 -0' next game!!
posted on 4/3/13
What a turnaround. After outplaying Reading away last week, Wigan collapsed at home in front of Liverpool. Last week they looked a complete unit - this week they looked an unhappy group of individuals.
Liverpool played Coutinho instead of Sturridge, and he quickly exposed the frailties in Wigan's defence. Suarez took full advantage. In midfield, Wigan were outplayed and gave the ball away over and over again.
The service for the forwards was poor. Nevertheless, Wigan produced a series of good saves from Reina. On another day they might have scored once or twice, but there was no escaping Liverpool's superiority.
Who was to blame? Martinez reverted to back four which reduced the numbers in midfield. The defenders were beaten individually and collectively. In midfield, the players could never keep possession and gain any element of control. Liverpool may have been the better team, but Wigan put up little resistance.
In the league, the damage could have been worse. QPR pulled themselves up and Southampton down, but Reading lost at Everton. Aston Villa play Manchester City tonight.
Martinez places Premier League survival before progress in the FA Cup. He has promised a much changed team against Everton and hopefully with a different attitude.
It will be a challenging afternoon. Wigan need a plan to deal with Fellaini, and perhaps Alcaraz could help there. Some players will be rested - perhaps Boyce, McCarthy and Di Santo - as Martinez makes his plans for the league run in.