Premier League
Wigan v Stoke
Venue: DW Stadium
Date: Tuesday, 9 February 2010
Kick-off: 1945
Team News
Wigan's Steven Gohouri is out with a hamstring injury but the defender is Latics manager Roberto Martinez's only injury worry for the visit of Stoke. New signings Victor Moses and Marcelo Moreno are pushing for a first start, having made their debuts as substitutes at Sunderland on Saturday.
Stoke captain Abdoulaye Faye should return from the back spasm that forced him to miss the win over Blackburn. Andy Wilkinson is fit despite receiving stitches to a head injury in that game.
Roberto Martinez is backing Victor Moses to shine
Wigan head into tonight's match against Stoke at the DW Stadium with just one win in nine league games, but manager Roberto Martinez insists he’s not feeling the pressure.
The Latics’ boss is also backing transfer window signing Victor Moses to make an impact at this level, once he has settled into his new environment.
"We all know he is an extremely talented boy but we have to be patient because we have to allow him to find his feet in the Premier League," he said.
"But when you rely on your talent to affect games the way Victor relies on his that period is going to be a lot shorter than other players."
The former Swansea manager remains confident his methods will pay off in time and despite being just two points above the relegation zone, he has no worries about their top flight survival.
"The pressure is what we put on ourselves with our performances," he said. "In football it is better to be lucky than being good but if you want to be successful long-term you need to be good on a daily basis.
"I'll be worried when I don't see the players with the right attitude or performing in the right manner. The points will come as soon as we are a little more confident in front of goal and that is something that is just around the corner.
"We have been playing really well and the results have not reflected performances so that could be an anxious situation, but we are just ready for the game."
Stoke are currently six points better off than Wigan, but Martinez adds: “You are looking at ten teams (at risk of relegation) so if you are in 11th position thinking you are safe you are making a mistake.”
