Wigan vs Everton preview - Latics welcome back Figueroa
Posted Saturday, April 30, 2011 by PA
Maynor Figueroa returns for Wigan's Barclays Premier League clash against Everton at the DW Stadium.
The Honduras defender has missed relegation-threatened Latics' last two games through suspension.
Veteran goalkeeper Mike Pollitt is unavailable after a minor elbow operation but Chris Kirkland will provide bench cover for first-choice Ali Al Habsi.
Roberto Martinez's men are otherwise at full strength for their penultimate home match of the season.
Wigan had lifted themselves out of the relegation zone for the first time in three months with victory at Blackpool a fortnight ago.
Sunderland's poor form prior to last week's trip to the Stadium of Light then offered hope of recording back-to-back wins for the first time this season but the 4-2 loss was a heavy blow.
Despite the setback, Martinez remains confident and does not feel his team need to resort to desperate measures.
He said: "There is nothing different for us, it is not all of a sudden that we see ourselves in this situation.
"We have been dealing with this situation for the last six months.
"From our point of view, nothing changes. We have found a very good level of performance in the last 10 games and we need to carry on with that until the last day of the campaign.
"The points tally we thought was going to be needed has probably dropped slightly but I still think you will need around 40 points.
"That will be affected by the results of the teams that are going to play against each other in the last four games but I don't think you can look further than the next game.
"For us it is the most important fixture of the season and that is the way we have to treat it."
Seventh-placed Everton would appear to have little to play for this weekend having long since pulled clear of relegation danger but having left it too late for a serious European push.
But the Merseysiders can still boast good form having gone seven games unbeaten prior to last week's 1-0 loss at Manchester United.
Martinez said: "Their points return over the last 12 games has been phenomenal.
"If you look at the experienced players they have got, they are a team that is capable of competing against anyone.
"Unless you are at your best, you will not be able to compete against them."
Wigan have often been criticised for their poor attendances but Martinez expects a big crowd for the penultimate home game of the season.
He said: "The support from the crowd is vital at this critical stage of the season and I have no doubt we are going to get that atmosphere."
Mikel Arteta could come into contention for Everton.
The Spanish playmaker has missed the last five games with a hamstring injury but has been involved in training this week.
Midfielder Tim Cahill, who came off the bench at Manchester United last week, should be in the squad but is still unlikely to start due to a foot problem.
Utility man John Heitinga (hamstring) is doubtful while Louis Saha and Marouane Fellaini are out for the season with ankle injuries.
Everton are seventh in the table after finding form over the past two months.
The Toffees were unbeaten in seven games prior to last week's loss at Manchester United and their strong run is bringing a generally disappointing campaign to a positive conclusion.
Everton, restricted by a small squad and limited funds for transfers, spent most of the first half of the season in the bottom half.
Moyes said: "This is probably the position where most people would have put us. Most people would have said we'd be between fifth and eighth.
"I'm disappointed because I felt we could have gone one better than that.
"But there is still enough to play for, we have tried to emphasise to the players it is important we stay near the top.
"That is where we want to be and I have not seen any signs from the players to suggest they think any different."
Everton end the season with home games against Manchester City and Chelsea, either side of a match at West Brom.
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