Oppositions View - Wigan(A)

Last updated : 03 December 2010 By Dan Buxton

Stoke are sitting in the top half after a good run of form, whilst Wigan are not far behind points wise but are just inside the relegation zone, how do you think the game will go?

I'm usually a glass half full type, but I can only see a Stoke win unfortunately. God only knows what type of team we'll be able to put out tomorrow. Our 1 fit striker has 1 goal in 18 months and the rest of the squad is stretched, not just to the limit but beyond it. I think our subs bench will need to change out of their school uniforms.

What style of performance will the Latics aim for?

Martinez, as I'm sure you know, likes his teams to keep possession of the ball which is great in theory, but sometimes goes too far we seem to end up passing for passings sake with no real creativity.

Are the Wigan fans still behind Roberto Martinez as manager or do you think there are better managers who are available?

The fans are split down the middle. A lot are willing to give him more time as they'd love to see it work with him, but he needs some PL experience behind him in the shape of an old headed coach. In some people's eyes he can do no right, but this is generally the same group of people that didn't like Bruce, Hutchings, Jewell. We have a section of fans that are compulsive manager haters.

If you could pick one Stoke player for your team?

Can't think of one player in particular from Stoke but we need someone who gets going when the going gets tough.

If you could give one of your players to Stoke?

I think I'd probably like to give Daniel De Ridder to Stoke. He's nowhere near our 1st team and is a big earner so that would free a 1st team squad place