Manchester City vs Wigan Athletic preview - Silva to sit it out again

Posted Wednesday, April 17, 2013 by PA

Manchester City are unlikely to risk playmaker David Silva (hamstring) in their Barclays Premier League clash with FA Cup final opponents Wigan at the Etihad Stadium.

First-choice goalkeeper Joe Hart is likely to return after making way for deputy Costel Pantilimon in Sunday's semi-final defeat of Chelsea at Wembley.

Midfielder Jack Rodwell (hamstring) and right-backs Micah Richards and Maicon (both knee) are also back in contention with manager Roberto Mancini considering changes after the weekend efforts.

City have no intention of coasting towards the FA Cup final, first-team coach David Platt has promised.

City are all but out of contention to win the Barclays Premier League but have a firm grip on second place and could be tempted to ease up before facing Wigan at Wembley next month.

But aside from the fact the runners-up spot is not guaranteed, City feel they have standards to maintain and having finally hit top form, they do not want to let up.

City are back in Premier League action three days after their energy-sapping cup semi-final win over Chelsea as they host relegation-threatened Wigan in a final dress rehearsal at the Etihad Stadium.

Platt said: "Rather than dramatising the situation, it is about finishing the season as strongly as we can do.

"You would probably put money on us finishing second now and hopefully we will win the FA Cup.

"But we still have to play a good team and anything can happen in the final.

"We have our own expectations and our own expectations are very high."

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez will take into account the after effects of their FA Cup semi-final victory in selecting his squad.

The Spaniard restored goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi for Wembley, having preferred Joel Robles for the previous four matches, and the Oman international will expect to keep his place.

Having started with the same 10 outfield players for five successive unbeaten games Martinez may look to freshen things up slightly, especially with a crucial encounter against West Ham at the weekend.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez insists there are no prima donnas among the FA Cup finalists' squad and everyone understands the needs of the club take priority over individual concerns.

The Spaniard has discovered a successful formula in the last month and ever since their quarter-final victory at Everton he has kept faith in the same players.

In the last five matches he has made just one change - replacing goalkeeper Joel Robles for previous first-choice Ali Al Habsi for last weekend's Wembley win over Milwall.

He has been rewarded with four wins - two in the cup - and a draw, which has crucially contributed seven points to their relegation battle.

And while it has meant the likes of club captain Gary Caldwell and Al Habsi have been sidelined, Martinez insists the players understand it is for the greater good.

"Competition for places has stepped up a percentage, the level of training has increased and we have been unbeaten in the league since then," said the Spaniard.

"Players are desperate to help the team. There are no individual cases, from now until the end of the season it is about what we can do as a football club.

"There is a bigger role than playing or not playing. Everyone is aware the achievement as a team is more important than individuals.

"We have players who are fully aware of what they need to bring to the team and everyone is expecting to be used from now until the end of the season."