Source: team_talk
Martinez ready for Terriers clash
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has emphasised that there is no danger of his team taking their FA Cup fifth-round tie at Huddersfield lightly.
Latics have plenty to think about right now in terms of the Premier League, in which they are second-bottom with 12 games to go, three points adrift of safety.
And for the clash with the Terriers, who have been struggling in the npower Championship, Martinez has indicated he is likely to hand another opportunity to some fringe players that have come into the side for previous cup games.
The Spaniard is keen to stress, though, that having reached this stage of the competition for the first time since 1987, Wigan are very much ready to give their all in the match at the John Smith's Stadium.
Continued progression in the cup is something Martinez is eager to see - and believes will only prove beneficial for his team's league form.
"We are not taking the opportunity of being involved in the fifth round of this cup competition lightly, and also we are taking this as a game to help us find our best form in the league," Martinez - yet to oversee a top-flight win in 2013 - said.
"I don't think both competitions should pull against each other.
"It is the opposite - they both should help the team in the same direction.
"The players are desperate to enjoy their challenge, and we would like to include the FA Cup in this vital group of games where we are looking to finish the season on a high."
Huddersfield go into the contest with a new man in charge having sacked manager Simon Grayson, who last season guided them to promotion from League One, in January and then earlier this week confirmed Mark Robins as his successor.
Martinez expects Robins' appointment to give an additional boost to a team he had already identified as being dangerous opponents.
"I think Mark Robins will bring a great feel-good factor to the place, and we have been very impressed with Huddersfield Town so far," Martinez said.
"I have seen a few games. In the previous round it was two very good performances against a very good Leicester side (the teams drew 1-1 at Huddersfield, who then won the replay 2-1).
"Then there was the game against Crystal Palace at home (a 1-0 league win).
"I think what they are is a very dynamic team. They work extremely hard, they have a very good combination up front and they have players who can go past you with ease in one v one situations.
"At their own place, they are going to be a very tough team to play against - as you would expect at this stage of this competition.
"We are well aware of their threats and quality, but we need to look at ourselves and show we are as good as we can be on the day."
