Uwe Rosler believes his Wigan Athletic side will have to show strength and steel to make sure they progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup.
The cup holders face MK Dons in a third round replay after the sides played out a thrilling 3-3 draw at the DW Stadium in the first game.
Despite being 2-0 and then 3-1 up Wigan, who won the trophy last year after beating Manchester City 1-0 in the final at Wembley in May, were pegged back by the resilient League One side.
“We want to progress of course and I know that the supporters want to go as far as possible in the FA Cup, so we will give it our all to get the win,” said Rosler.
“We made life difficult for ourselves last time and we had a good chance to win the game.
“It wasn’t our best performance and MK Dons did very well for two thirds of the game, but I still think we should have won the game.
“We get another chance now to make sure we progress and we’re going to have to be tough and strong to do so.”
The winners will face Premiership opposition with a home tie against Crystal Palace and Rosler is hoping his side can emulate the successful run to the final Latics enjoyed last season.
Wigan have a number of first team players are unavailable for the match but the 45-year-old German hopes that some of the players on the fringes of the first team can use the opportunity to stake a claim for a regular starting place.
“We want to progress and make sure that we’re in this competition because there is a mouthwatering tie against Premier League opposition waiting for us if we win tonight,” he said.
“Everyone wants to play from the start for us, sometimes I have to make difficult decisions because we have a lot of quality players.
“The FA Cup is a big chance for players to put themselves forward, much like Roger Espinoza did in the first game against MK Dons.
“We’re going into the game now with a few players injured and Tyias Browning and Rob Kiernan cup tied, so we’re a bit thin on the ground in that respect.
Wigan will be without Everton loanee Tyias Browning and defender Rob Kiernan, who are both cup tied, but boss Rosler hopes to be able to recall midfielder James McClean.
“There will be one or two surprising selections because of our position, but nothing will change in our attitude,” the manager said.
Image courtesy of Latics Official via YouTube, with thanks.
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