Gaffer believes derby outcome will depend on the finer details of the game
Roberto Martinez reckons that whilst Wednesday night's clash with Bolton will be full of emotion and generate a big atmosphere, the outcome itself may boil down to the smaller details of the game.
The gaffer knows how crucial the role of the fans will be in making the DW Stadium an imposing venue for the visitors, but maintains that the players must stay focused and keep their concentration if they are to come out on top.
"In a derby game there is always the risk of playing to the occasion, rather than the game itself, which is dangerous," said Martinez.
"One big factor is that we know how to adapt to the pitch, which is in a difficult state at the moment.
"But it'll be a tense game, passionate and I'm sure the fans are going to play a massive role. We're all looking forward to it and we'll make sure that we maintain our high standards.
"You can see that Bolton are going through the same changes now that we did at the beginning of the season. It's a new philosophy Owen Coyle has brought to the club with a big change in how you want to win a football game.
"I think the game itself will come down to small details, and we have to make sure we're focused, stay concentrated and rely on the support of our fans, who always make the difference."
One man who has had a massive role in the team lately is James McCarthy, and whilst his involvement in the game still hangs in the air, Martinez took the time to praise his recent performances.
"James McCarthy is 50-50 for the game, after having to come off against Stoke. He's been playing a lot of football lately and we've all enjoyed watching him, so we'll asses him right up until the game and hope he has a speedy recovery.
"He's a true ambassador of Wigan Athletic. A young, enthusiastic man with great potential and a great attitude."
Finally the gaffer stressed that although many will see the Bolton game as the biggest of the season, every game that follows will carry the same importance as the team look to round off the season on a high.
"Playing at home against our rivals is always going to be a special game, and every game going into the final third of the campaign is going to be vital and we're going to need different dimensions for each challenge.
"The Bolton game is massive, but then every game that follows it will be just as big and just as important.
"We have eight games still to play at home this season, and that's something we need to take advantage of. Behind the scenes we are at our highest level since the start of the season with a lot of different options throughout the squad.
"The new players have settled in very well and are starting to be themselves which is very exciting for us.
"They are new characters to the club, and they want to be an important part of Wigan Athletic. That's the sort of attitude we need and I would say that this is the strongest we've been all season in terms of competition and personnel.
"We're at a point where a win would give us the confidence we need and the reward our performances deserve."
