Source: Team_Talk
Application is the key for Martinez
Roberto Martinez hopes to see Wigan deal with Sunderland's attacking threat in the same manner they dealt with that of Tottenham two weeks ago.[LNB] The Latics kept England duo Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch at bay at White Hart Lane as Hugo Rodallega's late strike earned them a surprise 1-0 win.[LNB]On Saturday they will have another Three Lions striker Darren Bent - who scored on Tuesday night against Switzerland - to contend with as they host the Black Cats, who could also give a debut to their record signing, Ghana forward Asamoah Gyan.[LNB]Martinez expects the visitors to provide a major test at the DW Stadium, where Wigan have already conceded four goals to Blackpool and six to Chelsea in their opening two games this season.[LNB]After his players bounced back from that with the Spurs result, the Spaniard is looking for more defensive discipline.[LNB]"In my eyes, Asamoah Gyan was probably one of the top three strikers in the World Cup," Martinez said.[LNB]"He is someone who is going to come in full of confidence. He has got both feet, he is powerful and I think he can fit into the Premier League quite easily.[LNB]"But it is down to our performance. We have played against teams where we were expected to win and against teams where we were not - the scorelines have been down to our performances and it is going to be the same on Saturday.[LNB]"You look at Darren Bent as well and the form he showed for England - he looks in a great moment.[LNB]"The striking options at Sunderland are going to really, really test us.[LNB]"But it is down to how we apply ourselves, how we sense danger and how well we can show that intensity defensively which we showed at White Hart Lane.[LNB]"That is what I'm looking for - to carry on with the same standards that we showed in the last game."[LNB]There are a few Wigan old boys at Sunderland - including Titus Bramble, Lee Cattermole and manager Steve Bruce - who could be in for a hot reception on Saturday, but Martinez feels Latics fans will be more focused on their own team and new recruits Franco Di Santo and Tom Cleverley, who are both in line to make their debuts for the club.[LNB]"There are a few strong links in the Sunderland camp now and that adds extra spice to the game," Martinez said.[LNB]"But the fans are always focused on their home side and they will be focused on the new signings.[LNB]"I think there is a real excitement about the two new faces that we have signed and all the new players that slowly, are settling in really well.[LNB]"I'm sure the home fans are really focused on that and can't wait to see our team gelling together.[LNB]"As for the opposition - I'm sure we will wish them well after Saturday."[LNB]Martinez has confirmed Charles N'Zogbia will be considered for selection again after the midfielder was left out of the Tottenham game following the breakdown of his proposed transfer to Birmingham.[LNB]Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland is available having also missed the victory at White Hart Lane due to a hip problem, while striker Victor Moses, who has been nursing an ankle injury, is rated at 50-50 to take part and defender Gary Caldwell remains sidelined after hip surgery.
