Steve Bruce takes his Latics side 40 miles down the M6 for the last away game of the season to Stoke where Tony Pulis will be waiting with his City side who`ll want to end their home campaign on a high after a wonderful season for the men from the Potteries
Wednesday saw the Latics put in their best performance for a while when Champions elect Manchester United visited the JJB and in fairness we should have got something from the game, a repeat performance today and the travelling support wont have any need to moan.
Rodallega was magnificent up front as a lone striker against United and Kingson solid between the posts, I`d expect both to carry on in their respective roles today.
Stoke will be fired up to finish the season on a high and this no doubt will be a high octane game and the Latics can expect a bombardment.
What the bosses say:
Wigan manager Steve Bruce:
‘Their manager Tony Pulis has done a remarkable job this season. They were a lot of people’s relegation pick and Tony has set his team up to be strong and organised.
‘Their home record has been fantastic and the Britannia is a very difficult place to go and get a result.
‘They are a big threat especially from set-plays and we have to be at our best to deal with that.’
Stoke boss Tony Pulis:
‘Everyone will want to perform well. If we get beaten it will be a bit of a downer.
‘But we know what to expect from Wigan. Steve has taken the club forward again and is doing a brilliant job and one that should not be underestimated.’
Stoke City Team News:
Latics old boy Henri Camara is inelligible to play
Stoke City from:
Sorensen, Wilkinson, Griffin, Shawcross, Abdoulaye Faye, Davies, Dickinson, Lawrence, Delap, Whelan, Etherington, Fuller, Beattie, Simonsen, Cresswell, Pugh, Kelly, Olofinjana, Tonge, Sonko, Cort.
Player to watch: James Beattie
Goal scorer and very dangerous
Wigan Athletic Team News:
Chris Kirkland looks set to miss again with a back problem
Latics from:
Kingson, Melchiot, Figueroa, Edman, Boyce, Bramble, Scharner, Valencia, Koumas, De Ridder, Cattermole, Brown, Watson, N’Zogbia, Kapo, Zaki, Mido, Rodallega, Sibierski, Pollitt, Kirkland.
Player to watch: Hugo Rodallega
A goal in each of his last two games for the Columbia internatioal forward and he is plaing very well to boot
Any Previous?
This Seasons Reverse
Latics 0-0 Stoke City
8/11/08
All Previous:
Stoke 8 wins, Latics 5, Draws 6
Ref Watch:
Lee Probert (Gloucestershire)
Card Watch
Games – 9
Yellows – 29
Reds – 0
Match Prediction:
Heart says 2-1 Ltics win
Heart says 1-1 draw
Up Next:
Premier League
Wigan Athletic Vs Portsmouth
JJB
Sunday 24/05/09 3pm
