Manchester City vs. Wigan: How Latics Can Take Crucial 3 Points

Wigan Athletic have disproved doubters year after year, managing to survive in the Premier League by the skin of their teeth since 2005.

So why wouldn't they do it again this year?

Currently in 18th place in the Premier League table with two games in hand on relegation rivals Aston Villa, Stoke City and Sunderland, three points would put the Latics over Villa on goal differential.

Those three points will be difficult to pick up on Wednesday, as Roberto Martinez's men head to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City.

City are on a roll, having just defeated Manchester United in the Premier League and Chelsea in their FA Cup semifinal. Wigan aren't just facing a top Premier League side on the road, they're facing one in impressive form.

The likely absence of David Silva will raise the Latics' spirits but only slightly.

With Wigan highly unlikely to win in a match based around player skill alone, they must focus on the one battle they can potentially handle.

Roberto vs. Roberto. Martinez vs. Mancini.

While there's no question Mancini is the more accomplished of the two, two things will be weighing in Martinez's favor.

One is the fact that these clubs will play once again this season, except this time in the FA Cup final.

While Martinez values the rest of the Premier League season much higher than the FA Cup title, Mancini is at the point where he must realize his club won't be defending their title in England's top flight.

In fact, Mancini may very well be managing for his job in the final.

While second place is still no sure thing for the Citizens, Wednesday's fixture may be so lopsided in the eyes of Mancini and his assistants that they use the opportunity to feel out their opponent without the dominant intensity that has been present in their last two fixtures.

Secondly, if there's one group of teams City struggle to contain, it's the bottom feeders.

With losses to Sunderland and a then-reeling Southampton, as well as a draw to QPR and narrow victories against Aston Villa, Reading and Norwich, no victory can be guaranteed for the Sky Blues.

In Wigan's case, this is the time where they thrive.

Last season, Wigan took 15 of the possible 21 points in their last seven games, and in 2010-11, they took 11 points in the same time frame, both times nearly one-third of their overall total for the season.

In desperate situations, there's no better manager in football than Roberto Martinez.

Of course, Martinez can't do it all by himself, and a few players will need to bring their best.

Goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi, back in the first team after four reasonably productive matches from Joel Robles, must live up to the hype surrounding his name and not make the embarrassing mistakes that counteract his excellent shot-stopping ability.

And in Wigan's aggressive 3-4-3 that could be used against City, the X-factor will be without a doubt Callum McManaman.

It's been a season McManaman may want to forget, highlighted by his horror tackle on Newcastle defender Massadio Haidara, but his performance at Wembley against Millwall in Wigan's FA Cup semifinal tie was superb. That sort of unexpected form will give Wigan an extra weapon in a match where they will need plenty.

City will score. But that doesn't mean Wigan can't score more. Goals from Arouna Kone, arguably Wigan's most valuable player throughout the season, as well as McManaman will go a long way for the Latics' chances.

On paper, Manchester City would win this match even if they were trying to lose it.

But at this point in the season, betting against Wigan is a massive mistake.