Martinez: Deep in relegation battle

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Wigan Athletic v Everton

Wigan will be desperate to claim all three points when they welcome Everton to the DW Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Latics are currently glued to the foot of the Premier League standings, and even a win for the club this weekend is unlikely to peel them off the bottom as they lie three points, and 10 goals, behind 19th placed Wolves.

Further bad news for Wigan is the fact the Toffees head into this weekend’s encounter full of confidence after edging league leaders Manchester City 1-0 in the midweek round of fixtures to hoist David Moyes’ men up to 10th.

On the team front, Wigan boss Roberto Martinez will be buoyed by the fact he was able to retain the services of Hugo Rodallega during the January transfer window, although the manager preferred to field new signing Jean Beausejour for the full 90 minutes of the 3-1 defeat to Tottenham on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Merseysiders could be prepared to hand out a raft of debuts, with the club having brought in Darren Gibson and Nikica Jelavic on long-term deals in January, while Steven Pienaar makes his return to the club on loan.

Moyes will also have Landon Donovan available for selection after the USA international also agreed a loan deal with the club.