With the threat of relegation looming large, Wigan Athletic manager, Roberto Martinez should decide whether he should field a full strength team against Swansea City or rest a few members for the FA Cup final.
As things stand in the Barclays Premier League, Wigan Athletic might not be able to devise yet another great escape courtesy of their manager. With 35 points from as many games, the Latics need to win all of their remaining games in order to steer themselves away from the relegation zone.
In their next encounter, Wigan host Swansea City at the DW Stadium. Although Swansea have been a revelation this season, recent form suggests that now would be a great time to face Michael Laudrup’s side that has not registered a win in their last seven encounters and with the way they are playing, gives a clear feeling of end-of-the-season blues for a side that only a few months back, won its first piece of silverware in the form of the Capital One Cup.
Quite understandably, the tie against the Swans is a relatively easy one for Martinez’s men. After already securing a place in the Europa League for next season following their cup success, Laudrup’s men are very much relaxed and have been very complacent of late as well.
Wigan on the other hand, could do with a winning streak in the remaining league encounters. However, there is one particular case of an FA Cup final appearance that would be giving Martinez quite a few headaches. With the Cup final against Manchester City scheduled for Saturday, Martinez would definitely be in a dilemma as to which competition should he prioritize.
The Spaniard may be tempted into resting a lot of his first-team players this Tuesday in order to keep them fresh for the game against Roberto Mancini’s men. However, that would not be a very wise choice as any further slip up will all but seal Wigan’s fate.
Moreover, with the likes of Jean Beausejour and Maynor Figueroa injured, Martinez would also be aware that he will have to rattle his brain in order to deploy the right tactics in both games.
The absence of Beausejour is a huge blow for Wigan. Often an unsung player who covers huge distances in every game, does his defensive duties admirably and stretches his opposition’s defences as well, the Chilean’s absence will be sorely missed.
In their previous encounter against West Bromwich Albion, Martinez fielded Paul Scharner and Emmerson Boyce in a very rarely used 2-5-2-1 system. In recent times, Martinez’s Wigan has become well known for the fluid and flexible tactics which were so evident in the game at the Hawthorns. Though many would call the tactics deployed as no short of being kamikaze, it did the trick against Steve Clarke’s side and may do again when they face Swansea.
After playing such good football throughout the season (regardless of the results), it would indeed be a shame to see Wigan return to the Championship, a place they have been avoiding by the bare skin of their teeth in recent years. The game against Swansea is a must win for Wigan and if Martinez chooses to field his best team for the game, it should not come as any surprise.
However a big decision awaits Roberto Martinez, should he concentrate solely on the FA Cup final against Manchester City on Saturday, a victory would result in Wigan’s first major trophy in their 81 year history. But a title celebration might come at the expense of a demotion to the second tier of English football.
In their next encounter, Wigan host Swansea City at the DW Stadium. Although Swansea have been a revelation this season, recent form suggests that now would be a great time to face Michael Laudrup’s side that has not registered a win in their last seven encounters and with the way they are playing, gives a clear feeling of end-of-the-season blues for a side that only a few months back, won its first piece of silverware in the form of the Capital One Cup.
Quite understandably, the tie against the Swans is a relatively easy one for Martinez’s men. After already securing a place in the Europa League for next season following their cup success, Laudrup’s men are very much relaxed and have been very complacent of late as well.
Wigan on the other hand, could do with a winning streak in the remaining league encounters. However, there is one particular case of an FA Cup final appearance that would be giving Martinez quite a few headaches. With the Cup final against Manchester City scheduled for Saturday, Martinez would definitely be in a dilemma as to which competition should he prioritize.
The Spaniard may be tempted into resting a lot of his first-team players this Tuesday in order to keep them fresh for the game against Roberto Mancini’s men. However, that would not be a very wise choice as any further slip up will all but seal Wigan’s fate.
Moreover, with the likes of Jean Beausejour and Maynor Figueroa injured, Martinez would also be aware that he will have to rattle his brain in order to deploy the right tactics in both games.
The absence of Beausejour is a huge blow for Wigan. Often an unsung player who covers huge distances in every game, does his defensive duties admirably and stretches his opposition’s defences as well, the Chilean’s absence will be sorely missed.
In their previous encounter against West Bromwich Albion, Martinez fielded Paul Scharner and Emmerson Boyce in a very rarely used 2-5-2-1 system. In recent times, Martinez’s Wigan has become well known for the fluid and flexible tactics which were so evident in the game at the Hawthorns. Though many would call the tactics deployed as no short of being kamikaze, it did the trick against Steve Clarke’s side and may do again when they face Swansea.
After playing such good football throughout the season (regardless of the results), it would indeed be a shame to see Wigan return to the Championship, a place they have been avoiding by the bare skin of their teeth in recent years. The game against Swansea is a must win for Wigan and if Martinez chooses to field his best team for the game, it should not come as any surprise.
However a big decision awaits Roberto Martinez, should he concentrate solely on the FA Cup final against Manchester City on Saturday, a victory would result in Wigan’s first major trophy in their 81 year history. But a title celebration might come at the expense of a demotion to the second tier of English football.
