Filed under: Tottenham, Wigan, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: DW STADIUM, SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2011. KICK-OFF: 1500 BSTThe sour memories of Wigan's 9-1 hammering at White Hart Lane were largely eroded by picking up four points against Harry Redknapp's side last season.
After losing their opening two matches of the campaign, there was the 1-0 win at Spurs and they also had a goalless draw at the DW Stadium ahead of Tottenham's trip to Real Madrid.
With the transfer window closed, Redknapp will be hoping that the 4-0 hammering of Liverpool is a sign of things to come, while Roberto Martinez is desperate to get some points on the board.
The Latics' decent start has hit the buffers by being knocked out of the Carling Cup at Crystal Palace and Premier League defeats at Manchester City and Everton.
Key Match-Up: Gary Caldwell v Emmanuel Adebayor. With Antolin Alcaraz, Emmerson Boyce and Steve Gohouri all out injured, Latics captain Caldwell will have a key role against Adebayor. The Togo striker, 27, has managed three goals in his first two appearances for Spurs.
Form Guide: Unbeaten in their first three matches of the season, Wigan have lost three on the trot. Since the 5-1 hammering by Manchester City, Spurs have not conceded in four games, including Premier League wins over Wolves and Liverpool.
Odds: Wigan 3/1, Tottenham 10/11, Draw 5/2.
WIGAN:
For a team that has generally struggled for any kind of consistency in recent years, Wigan have quietly built an unbeaten run that stretches back to February.
Martinez was angered by the capitulation in the 3-0 defeat at City but far happier with the display in the 3-1 loss at Everton, where his team were on level terms until the 84th minute.
The Spaniard rarely discusses his previous assertion that Wigan will definitely finish in the top half of the table but it says much for his team's progress that he expects to pick up three points against Spurs.
The DW Stadium has attracted criticism for so long but Martinez feels it is becoming a stronghold.
Martinez told the club's website: "It seems an eternity away when you play away games, with travelling and we were involved in the League Cup as well.
"It's a little bit of a combination. We feel at home and it's easy to say that 'We're playing at home' but that brings expectations but we believe in the manner that we play, the fans have been fantastic.
"It's easy to see the chemistry that we're getting with the fans, we always play on the front foot and want to control the games and dominate the games and that's been a very positive way to play from our point of view."
Martinez believes Redknapp has picked up the ideal formation and tactics to bring the best out of Adebayor.
"We all know he's an outstanding footballer," Martinez added. "He had great experiences when he went to Real Madrid and obviously Arsenal and Manchester city and he's still at the peak of his career. He's a handful in any system.
"But now he's surrounded by players that get the best out of him and he's working really, really hard with players like Jermain Defoe, Luka Modric and Scott Parker, with the service of Gareth Bale.
"That makes an outstanding combination so he's one of the outstanding players that Spurs have got in their squad."
Strategy: The absence of Hugo Rodallega gives Martinez problems with goal-scoring and some fans will worry about the quality he is able to field in the three-man attacking midfield line behind Franco Di Santo. He may push James McCarthy forward to support Jordi Gomez and Victor Moses, with Mohamed Diame or Hendry Thomas drafted into midfield.
Injury Update: Rodallega will be out for around six weeks with a knee problem sustained at Everton and defenders Alcaraz (thigh) and Boyce (hamstring) but Martinez may recall Gohouri after a calf problem.
TOTTENHAM:
Tottenham striker Adebayor, despite his goalscoring start since arriving on loan from Manchester City, admits he is yet to reach peak fitness.
"It was four months since I played and I think it will take two or three games to be fit," said Adebayor. "Fortunately I had the chance to score on my debut and that gave me more confidence.
"Now I have to keep playing my football. I can't say I'm nearly there because I have to keep working for two or three games.But I'll work hard in training and the rest will follow."
Adebayor was forced to train with the youth team while at City after falling out with manager Roberto Mancini, who is trying to win the league title this year and has started the season strongly.
He added: "Maybe they can get a few injuries. Maybe they will tired. I don't know. At the moment they are playing good football and it's good for everyone to watch on TV.
"At Tottenham we have to keep doing what we're doing. We have great players: Gareth Bale, Luka Modric, Niko Kranjcar, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Jermain Defoe, I can mention many names.
"We just have to fight and believe we can be in the top four. If we believe we can, then we can do it."
Adebayor has suggested he would be willing to stay at White Hart Lane permanently.
He added: "I'm here for a year and have to enjoy myself. At the end of things the president, vice-president, manager, assistant manager, the fans, they will decide if they want me for another year. At the moment I am here for another year and there is no pressure at all."
Strategy: Spurs will want to pick up where they left off against Liverpool, attacking with pace from all areas. They have pace down the flanks but can also go through the middle.
Injury Update: Michael Dawson, William Gallas, Aaron Lennon and Tom Huddlestone are out.
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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/09/23/wigan-v-tottenham-preview-more-to-come-insists-emmanuel-adebay/
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