Martinez ready for Stoke test

Latics boss insists side ready to end winless run against Potters

Last updated: 8th February 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Martinez ready for Stoke test

Martinez: Fired up for Potters clash

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Roberto Martinez claims Wigan have learned lessons from their previous encounter with Stoke as the Latics welcome the Potters to the North West on Tuesday.

Martinez believes his side are better prepared to take on their midweek opponents than in December when Wigan twice led at the Britannia Stadium before being pegged back to a 2-2 draw as striker Hugo Rodallega missed an 89th-minute penalty.

Holding onto a lead has been a conundrum for the Spaniard all season and Saturday's 1-1 draw with Sunderland was the fifth time this term that the Latics have failed to capitalise from a winning position.

But the former Swansea boss insists his side have improved collectively to deal with the physical presence of the Potters and is hoping to halt Wigan's winless run.

Stronger

"All the games against Stoke are going to be competitive from the first minute until the last and we will have to have great concentration throughout the game," said Martinez, whose side have tasted victory just once in their last nine Premier League matches.

"In many aspects we have got stronger - partnerships and overall in dead-ball situations we are a lot stronger.

"I feel we have learned our lessons since then (the draw at Stoke). Even then we were only one kick away from the three points.

"Sometimes in football you get what you deserve over two legs so we hope the luck will be on our side.

"The talent is there, we have been a bit inconsistent but we have improved as a team."

Tony Pulis brings his side to the DW Stadium on the back of a six-match unbeaten run in all competitions but they have struggled away from home with only six points from a possible 33.

Wigan have not won at home in the league since 28th November and their current form has left them only two points above the relegation zone.

Martinez does not consider relegation to be an issue just yet but admits he may have to reassess if the situation has not changed by April.

Vital

"Every point is vital from now until the end of the season," he said.

"We are not in the last third of the campaign yet, which is when everything starts to have a massive influence on the table.

"But we want to go into every game - especially the nine we have at home - with that must-win attitude.

"The table always comes alive in April and that is when you look into it and assess how we are doing.

"I am pleased with the way we are trying to win games and I'm happy with the progression.

"We are quite clear how we want to win games but we cannot look any further than tomorrow, which is a cup final within a league campaign and we know that."