Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has called for his side to be more ruthless and turn consistent performances into wins, starting against Newcastle.
The Latics slipped to a 2-0 defeat against defending Barclays Premier League champions Manchester City on Wednesday night despite being the best side for the first hour of the contest. However, they failed to find that vital cutting edge which has often eluded them this season and something which has been a source of great frustration in the Wigan dressing room.
Newcastle are without a win in any competition since October 28 when they beat West Brom 2-1 and Martinez sees the game as a chance for his side to up their intensity, both in attack and defence. And he said: "At home we have been creating a very good number of opportunities and that's always the worry if you're creating chances and not scoring goals."
He added: "It is a moment in the season that we want to score goals and take that responsibility as a whole team, not just the forward line. I do feel away from home we have been performing consistently every game and it is just a matter of trying to take the opportunities and be a bit ruthless defending our goal so we can get the results.
"The performances have been really bright and really good from a creative point of view and that eventually will bring the goals."
Wigan, who will be debuting their new all-red third kit in the match due to clashes with Newcastle's strip, will be hoping to evoke the success tasted when they last wore red in 2003 - a year that saw them score 100 points and be crowned Division Two champions.
However, despite Newcastle's poor run of form, Martinez knows they will pose a huge threat, especially in front of their home crowd.
"We need to remember that Newcastle are capable of reaching really good heights of performance and results," Martinez said.
"Remember what they achieved last season was a phenomenal achievement and it's going to be a very difficult game. Sometimes in this league you can get in a run of bad results but we're going to expect Newcastle to perform very well and make it difficult.
"But from our point of view you get that feeling that you can't wait to get out on the pitch again after Wednesday. After the performance on Wednesday you get the feeling of frustration to get a positive result and we are looking forward to the next game and that is at St James' Park which is a phenomenal football environment."
Source: PA
