Bullish Bruce says Latics should 'remember the last time' and grab a famous result at The Emirates

Latics manager Steve Bruce is hoping to make it a remembrance day to remember when he takes a team "full of confidence" to the Emirates Stadium tonight to face Arsenal.

And he's called on the team to show the spirit of 2006!

"Everyone remembers the last time Wigan Athletic faced Arsenal in the Carling Cup," he says, "and we're hoping that history can repeat itself, why not?

"I wasn't at the club of course at the time, but I was watching on television and it was a marvellous night, when the underdog got through against the odds."

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger is believed to be sticking more or less to the same teamwho thrashed Sheffield United in the last round, but whoever they face tonight, Bruce says, 'We will be ready.'

The Latics manager is keeping his own cards close to his chest as to how and if he will shuffle his pack for the big game tonight and said it will be a case of 'wait and see'.

"I don't believe in announcing my team early, besides, we need to keep all our options open.

"The fitness of Emile Heskey is a major issue, but we performed excellently at Liverpool without him the other week and I have players chomping at the bit to get in the side if he doesn't make it.

"It has been a frustrating season so far because we are just not getting the results that our performances deserve. That is snot a complaint, it's a fact. We are playing well in general, and we are creating chances. Even when we haven't been at our best we have still been getting chances on goal.

"The team is full of confidence and the players know they just need to keep working as hard as they have been and hopefully the tide will turn.

"Having said that, that nasty run of four league defeats on the run has been arrested and we haven't lost in two games.

"Our form in the Carling Cup has been excellent this season, we've scored eight goals in two games and although I expect a really tough test tonight, we will be thinking about the way we played in those two games and drawing from that."

Bruce added: "I'd like to say a big thanks to our supporters who will be making their third long distance trip in just a few days, I really hope that we can give them something to cheer about tonight and go home happy. Your support is hugely appreciated."