Martinez alert to Tottenham threat

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez says Saturday’s opponents Tottenham will not be distracted by their upcoming Champions League quarter final.

Tottenham will play a massive game against Spanish giants Real Madrid on Tuesday but Martinez knows the north Londoners will be fully focussed on the Premier League this weekend.

Martinez said: “Regardless of their Champions League involvement next week this will be a very difficult game.”

“Sometimes having fixtures like that on the horizon can work as an advantage and teams may look at the games beforehand as the ideal chance to gear themselves up and tune their performance.”

“But from now until the end of the season it is all about us, our performances on the pitch and being to take every game as a unique opportunity to collect points.”

“We’re facing one of the best teams in Europe because Tottenham have been the surprise package in this season’s Champions League.”

Wigan sit last on the Premier League table but just five points separate them and Fulham in 12th place.

Martinez knows now is the time to turn good performances into points and ensure top flight survival.

He said: “The differences between all the clubs at the bottom of the table are so small and we’re prepared for the fight going right down to the final game of the season.”

“From our point-of-view we’ve been very consistent over the last few weeks, played to a high standard and now is the time to collect the points we’ve been missing.

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Martinez has a fully-fit squad to choose from.

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CONCACAF Champions League wrap: Martinez magic works

Substitute Osvaldo Martinez scored the only goal as Monterrey beat 10-man Toluca in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old attacking midfielder struck in the 82nd minute at Toluca’s Estadio Nemesio Diez to give the Mexican side a significant advantage as they head home for the second leg on March 3.

Martinez’s winner, from a free kick about 25 yards out, beat Toluca keeper Miguel Centeno just inside the post.

The attacking midfielder had replaced William Paredes about 20 minutes before he scored.

The goal was the culmination of a half in which Monterrey finally started to exert their will on short-handed Toluca.

Toluca were reduced to 10 men when Luis Arias was sent off after just 10 minutes.

Arias was adjudged to have used his elbow while attempting to head the ball. His elbow connected with the head of Jesus Zavala, who remained on the pitch for several minutes after the incident.

Although Toluca did an admirable job of trying to push the game, they were never able to sustain any real pressure.

Monterrey controlled the possession for much of the match.

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Martinez sets Wigan survival target

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has set his Wigan Athletic side a target of 40 points if they are to stay in the Premier League.

The Latics face a tough run of matches over the next month, beginning with a visit from league leaders Manchester United on Saturday.

Martinez’s side are only one point adrift of safety with 27 from 27 games so far this season, and the manager is eyeing a better return from their remaining 11 matches.

“I think everyone has a good amount of points in the bottom eight positions, and that it’s going to go down to the games they are involved in with teams in those positions,” Martinez said.

“I just feel that 40 points is probably going to be the tally needed to stay in the Premier League, which is a big one if you compare it to last year.”

Wigan will be looking to take their first ever point off United in 12 attempts since being promoted to the top flight in 2005.

Despite their horrible run against United, Martinez is confident his side can get something out of Saturday’s encounter.

“I think it’s about ourselves. If we are not perfect, if we are not performing as good as we can you haven’t really got a chance against a side like Manchester United,” he said.

“But I feel that in the form we are enjoying at the moment and with the support of our fans, we have got a real chance to overcome two big challenges, which is the team we’ve got in front of us and historically it will be the first time we’ve got something out of Man United.”

Martinez has almost a clean bill of health ahead of the game, with Emmerson Boyce and Callum McManaman the only doubts.

“Emmerson Boyce is the only one we have to assess and then make a decision if he can be involved,” Martinez said.

“Apart from him, Callum McManaman suffered a nasty cut against Bolton, but he is going to be joining the group tomorrow, so apart from Boycey and Callum everyone is fit and available.”

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Martinez hopes for festive cheer

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