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Latics Look to Defy the Odds Wednesday 13th May 2009
Wigan Athletic face an uphill task when they take on leaders Manchester United this evening but Latics skipper Mario Melchiot insists his players are looking forward to the challenge.
United are currently sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League and Sir Alex Ferguson’s men are in a rich vein of form.
The Red Devils have only lost three league games away from Old Trafford all season – scoring 22 goals and conceding only ten.
But Melchiot is hoping that his team can put the Champions League finalists under some pressure at the JJB Stadium and defy the odds to take their first ever Premier League point from United.
Fantasy Stakes players will be aware that the Latics suffered a humiliating 3-1 defeat to bottom of the table West Brom at the weekend, and Melchiot hopes they can put that result behind them and finish the season strongly.
“We’re all professionals at the end of the day and we have to look at ourselves and improve our game on the pitch,” he said.
“There’s only so much the gaffer can do or say because ultimately we have to perform and make the results happen.
“It’s a big game (against Manchester United) which is going to be tough, but it’s also one we are looking forward to. The big games are always special occasions and we hope to perform a lot better.”
Melchiot, who has played 31 times in the league this season, will have to be on form tonight if his side are going to keep a clean sheet against United’s potent attacking force.
Wayne Rooney is expected to be recalled and the Wigan defence will be keen to snuff him out as much as possible.
United have scored 65 goals in 35 league games so far the campaign and few would bet against them to take all three points tonight and put one hand on the Premier League trophy.
