Martinez ready for ´massive´ game

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is well aware that Sunday’s relegation six-pointer with West Ham is a key day in the club’s history.

The side is just a point behind Wolves – who are currently safe in 17th place – with two games left to escape the bottom three.

It is also a massive game for the Londoners who are four points adrift.

“This is a key moment in our history – a big game,” Martinez said on Friday.

“We are confident and well aware of what we are fighting for. From the outside these are two massive games but unfortunately we have been in this position the whole season.”

“In every game we go into we have had a real need to perform and get points because of the position we have in the table.”

“We have been playing catch-up for the whole of the season.”

“This is an opportunity to get the rewards for all our hard work.”

“These are two cup finals for us and we have to get the points.”

It is win or bust for West Ham, who like Wigan have been struggling at the wrong end of the table for most of the season.

West Ham have not won since the start of March but Martinez said his players would not be underestimating them.

“We need to understand who we are playing against. It would be a big mistake to play the occasion rather than the game,” he said.

“West Ham are also in need of points and we will need to be very careful.”

“It hurts me to hear that people are disrespectful towards West Ham because they can beat anyone on their day and could really hurt us.”

“It will be a very open game because we both have to win.”

“It will be a fascinating game with a clear attitude of winning the game.”

Martinez’s only injury concern is midfielder Mohamed Diame, who is rated a 50-50 chance to recover from a groin problem.