Source: PA
Martinez talks up Wigan progress
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez believes his side are better prepared to face Stoke having learned lessons from their previous encounter this season.
Back in December, the Latics twice led at the Britannia Stadium before being pegged back to a 2-2 draw as striker Hugo Rodallega missed an 89th-minute penalty.
Even though they could not hold onto a lead in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, Martinez is confident his side have improved.
"All the games against Stoke are going to be competitive from the first minute until the last and we will have to have great concentration throughout the game," said the Spaniard, whose side have won only one of their last nine Barclays Premier League matches.
"In many aspects we have got stronger - partnerships and overall in dead-ball situations we are a lot stronger. I feel we have learned our lessons since then (the draw at Stoke). Even then we were only one kick away from the three points.
"Sometimes in football you get what you deserve over two legs so we hope the luck will be on our side. The talent is there, we have been a bit inconsistent but we have improved as a team."
