by Why Delilah

WIGAN manager Roberto Martinez believes his side are better prepared to face Stoke tonight having learned the lessons from their previous encounter this season.

The Latics twice led at the Britannia Stadium back in December, before being pegged back to a 2-2 draw after striker Hugo Rodallega missed an 89th-minute penalty.

And even though they could not hold onto a lead in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Sunderland, the Wigan boss is confident his side have improved.

“All games against Stoke are going to be competitive from the first minute until the last, so we will have to have great concentration throughout the game,” said the Spaniard, whose side have won only one of their last nine Premier League matches.

“In many aspects we have got stronger – partnerships and overall in dead-ball situations we are a lot stronger.

“I feel we have learned our lessons since the draw at Stoke, but even then we were only one kick away from three points.

“Sometimes in football you get what you deserve over two legs, so we hope the luck will be on our side tonight.

“The talent is there. We have been a bit inconsistent, but we have improved as a team.”

Wigan have not won at home in the league since November 28, and their current form has left them only two points above the relegation zone.

Martinez does not consider relegation to be an issue just yet, but admits he may have to reassess if the situation has not changed by April.

“Every point is vital from now until the end of the season,” he said. “We are not in the last third of the campaign yet, which is when everything starts to have a massive influence on the table.

“But we want to go into every game – especially the nine we have at home – with that must-win attitude.

“The table always comes alive in April and that is when you look into it and assess how we are doing.

“I am pleased with the way we are trying to win games and I’m happy with the progression.

“We are quite clear how we want to win games, but we cannot look any further than tonight tomorrow, which is a cup final within a league campaign and we know that.”