The Latics have something of a hold over the Blues, and are yet to lose to them in seven Premier League meetings. City’s only win in recent memory came in the FA Cup three years ago, courtesy of a solitary strike by Andy Cole.
Couple that statistic with Wigan’s recent run, which saw four straight wins raising them to seventh in the Barclays Premier League table until ended by defeat at Old Trafford on Wednesday, and the Manager knows his side wil have their hands full.
“Wigan are a good, strong team with a certain way of playing and an energetic front-line that harry you and chase lost causes,” he says. “The midfield back those forward runs up and at the back they have been a lot tighter this year. They have been one of the form teams of late so it will not be easy for us. Our last home performance was not good enough and I expect to see a marked improvement.
“Their players as a group have different qualities to ours, maybe not as technically gifted as some of ours individually, but they have a different energy to their play, and a physical presence that we have lacked at times.
“Wigan are a big, powerful side with a threat up front. Both Heskey and Zaki chase everything, are good in the air and round out a balanced side. They have been very solid this season and have been in a good vein of form.
“I was at Old Trafford and thought they were a touch unlucky. After they went behind they worked very hard and put in a very committed performance.”
