Source: Team_Talk
Derby clash to lift Latics
Roberto Martinez believes the intensity of Saturday's derby clash at Blackburn could spark his Wigan team back into life.[LNB] Martinez felt Latics were starting to make encouraging progress before going down to a disappointing 2-0 loss at Fulham last weekend.[LNB]That defeat ended a six-game unbeaten in all competitions and left Wigan 17th in the Barclays Premier League.[LNB]Martinez is viewing the result as a glitch and expects his men to bounce back as they travel the short distance to Ewood Park to face the side immediately below them.[LNB]The Spaniard said: "Now is a great moment to react.[LNB]"It is a great opportunity to get rid of that feeling we were left with on Saturday and make sure we carry on with the good work we showed in October.[LNB]"We have played a few derbies now. Even in the Carling Cup when we played Preston, you could feel the excitement in the fans.[LNB]"It is something that comes through to the players and you can feel that building up to the game.[LNB]"Ewood Park is a really tough place to go, they have found a way that is very effective.[LNB]"They are on the back of a really good performance against Chelsea when they didn't get any rewards.[LNB]"We are coming on the back of a disappointing performance after doing well for six weeks.[LNB]"There are many ingredients to make it a really tough game but it would mean so much to perform well and get the points."[LNB]Blackburn have just nine points from 10 games, one less than Wigan, and have lost three out of their last four.[LNB]Given the standing of both clubs, the encounter may not seem one for the purists but Martinez is convinced it will make for intriguing viewing.[LNB]The Latics boss was impressed with Rovers' display in defeat to Chelsea and wants his own team to get back to their eye-pleasing style.[LNB]He said: "Slowly we have been seeing in many areas that we have improved a lot. We are going in the right direction.[LNB]"Obviously the performance on Saturday was a little blip but there are a few reasons why it happened.[LNB]"Now we are ready to perform against a very tough team.[LNB]"I'm really pleased with the attitude of the squad and the way we are gelling. It is just a matter of time before we get the full rewards.[LNB]"This is a really important game for us.[LNB]"Blackburn's performance against Chelsea was a very good performance, very positive.[LNB]"They had two or three key moments in the game that it would have helped them to win the game.[LNB]"They are full of experience and have a very clear way to be effective. It will be a really tough, physical battle.[LNB]"It is a good moment for us to look forward to what is going to be a very exciting derby."[LNB]Martinez must decide whether the game is one for highly-rated youngster Tom Cleverley, who is on a season-long loan from Manchester United, in midfield.[LNB]The 20-year-old made his full debut at Craven Cottage having made three previous substitute appearances.[LNB]Martinez said: "It is really exciting to see a player like Tom with the potential he has got.[LNB]"Already he has a real understanding of the game, real quality.[LNB]"I thought he brought a lot to us at Fulham. He was one of the positive notes.[LNB]"He will carry on developing, carry on getting stronger and better.[LNB]"He is going to bring a lot to Wigan Athletic over the next few months."[LNB]Martinez will also consider giving striker Mauro Boselli an opportunity.[LNB]The Argentinian has struggled to make an impression since his £6million summer move from Estudiantes but showed his ability with a Carling Cup goal against Swansea 10 days ago.[LNB]"Mauro has been working really hard," Martinez said. "I think we have got a real diamond in our squad.[LNB]"He is where I expected him to be and slowly he is going to have a massive impact in our team."[LNB]Wigan are again without defender Emmerson Boyce, who is likely to be sidelined for another 10 days with a hamstring injury.[LNB]Midfielder James McCarthy is now beginning a rehabilitation expected to last around three months after undergoing ankle surgery this week.[LNB]
