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FRIENDS RE-UNITED

Posted on: Fri 16 Oct 2009

Latics players prepare to take on some familiar faces this weekend

This weekend's Premier League clash between Latics and Manchester City will see Charles N'Zogbia and Scott Sinclair come up against a couple of former team-mates as the team go in search of their third consecutive home win.

Whilst at Newcastle United N'Zogbia played alongside one of the Barclays Premier League's finest goalkeepers in Shay Given, and whilst the Frenchman acknowledges the 'keeper's ability, he will be hoping to get one over him on this occasion.

"Shay Given is a really good goalkeeper who I remember playing alongside at Newcastle United, said N'Zogbia.

"Now he's at Man City and doing very well, but hopefully we'll be able to do something and get past him on this occasion.

"We had a great result against Chelsea, and although the performance against Hull was good we somehow came away with nothing. We have to try and bounce back on Sunday against Man City and make sure we stay focused, just like we were before the Chelsea game.

"I'm really looking forward to the game, we all know what we have to do and we're all focused on getting the right result."

SCOTTY BEAMING AT HULL: Sinclair pulls a goal back for Latics in the 2-1 defeat.

For Scott Sinclair the fixture will see him take on former Chelsea team-mate Shaun Wright-Phillips, who he came on as a substitute for against Arsenal in May 20047, thus making his league debut.

However, like N'Zogbia the winger is hoping to banish the memories of Hull City last time out, and insists there is no room for friendships on the pitch.

He said; "The last time out against Hull wasn't a great afternoon in terms of the result, but after the international break everyone will be feeling refreshed and looking forward to bouncing back.

"I still speak to Shaun now and then, it's funny the way things work out that one minute you're team-mates and the next you're playing against one another.

"It'll be great to see him again, hopefully get on the pitch to play against him and help Wigan Athletic get the right result.

"However, as soon as you cross the white-line there are no friends, but no doubt after the game we'll catch-up and have a good chat."