However Chelsea are a pretty big obstical to face, especially considering that Blues boss Avram Grant is likely to rate the FA Cup as a very worthwhile competition given his desire to bring trophies to Stamford Bridge.
The Latics have not got so much as a draw against Chelsea in recent years but matches against the Blues are always entertaining and keep supporters on the edges of their seats.
|
He said: "I can't wait to play because all I want to do is play football. I don't want a rest. I didn't come to Wigan to rest. I want to play every game and that includes Chelsea.
"There are other games I love, that's why I came back to England. I want these big games week in and week out."
Bruce's View
"Chelsea will put out their strongest team possible. This is a big cup tie for them and Chelsea will want to win it. They will want to win every competition. It's got all the markings of a great game.
"I've never got far in the FA Cup as a manager. In 10 years I've drawn Liverpool five times. I've had Arsenal and Chelsea before. When I was at Sheffield United we lost to Arsenal in a replay. When I was at Huddersfield we lost to Liverpool.
"At Birmingham I had Liverpool three times in hte cup - it was a nightmare. If I was at a non-league club I would be a chairman's dream! I always seem to get one of the big teams very early.
"It's been no different his time. Chelsea are one of the giants of European football and have a team full of world class players. But there's no point complaining about it.
"It's the FA Cup and you've always got a chance - anything can happen in a one off game. We want to win this match, keep the confidence up and give our fans something to cheer about."
Team News
Wigan
Steve Bruce has confirmed that he is gonig to shuffle his pack for the game and give chances to some of his fringe players. Bruce said: "I will be shuffling the pack. We've got an important league game around the corner - that's our priority. In the last round it gave me a chance to look at players like Cotterill, Olembe and Skoko."
Maynor Figueroa and Erik Edman have received international clearance to compete for the club and Edman is likely to go straight into the first eleven with Kevin Kilbane given a well earned rest.
Manager Steve Bruce may opt to rest further first team stars in favour of giving oppotunities to some of his fringe players.
David Cotterill is likely to start following his goal against Sunderland, whilst Julius Aghahowa, Antoine Sibierski, Josip Skoko and Mike Pollitt may all be given the chance to impress.
Chelsea
Frank Lampard will be unavailable for the game after he suffered a fresh tear in his thigh muscle during training.
Meanwhile, Didier Drogba, John Mikel Obi, Michael Essien and Saloman Kalou are all away on African Cup of Nations duty and so Chelsea are likely to field a similar side to that which defeated Everton in the Carling Cup on Wednesday evening.
Prediction
With Chelsea and Avram Grant clearly determined to try and win trophies this year and the Latics more concerned with their impending relegation battle, anything other than an away win is unlikely.
Wigan 1 Chelsea 2
Ticket News
Tickets are still available for the game and are priced at the bargain rate of £15 for adults, £10 for OAPs and £5 for juniors.
The ticket office can be contacted on: 0871 66 33 552.
|
