Kirk sets phasers to stun
Published Date:
21 August 2008
Wigan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland says Latics will be ready to strike for a second time this year against the mighty Chelsea.
The keeper says April 14 proved Wigan are capable of slugging it out against Premier League giants.
Emile Heskey's last minute equaliser at Stamford Bridge cancelled out Michael Essien's opener and ended a run of seven straight defeats against the Blues.
Kirkland told the Observer: "Listen, you've got a chance in every game. We proved that last season against Chelsea.
"We've shown what we can do against them, but we've got to forget about last season – that's gone.
"We've got to put it right this season.
"This is a new year for us, we've got to kick on and try and get further up the league.
"We want to get off to a good start at home and we want to get something from it.
"Chelsea are a fantastic side and they've got some new players. It's going to be an extremely tough game. But we won't shirk from the
challenge."
Latics have been busy brushing up on their defensive duties this week after handing out a couple of early gifts at Upton Park.
Deco and Co won't need a second invitation.
"To give you that chance you have got to prepare right," says Kirkland.
"We need to focus and make sure everyone knows their jobs this weekend.
"Then against the big teams you need a bit of luck as well. We need our home form to give us a good platform to build on.
"We've got to take the positives of the second half at West Ham into the game against Chelsea."
Kirkland, 27, insists the Blues will have their own hands full with Amr Zaki who will be appearing at the JJB for the first time.
He said: "He's going to score goals that's for sure.
"He has done well in training, in pre-season and got a great goal at West Ham. Hopefully it will be a great bit of business for us come the end of the
season."
The full article contains 348 words and appears in Wigan Observer newspaper.
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Last Updated:
21 August 2008 4:12 PM
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Source:
Wigan Observer
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Location:
Wigan