We'll have a right go at Saints - Wigan Athletic star

Michael Jacobs has promised Wigan Athletic will '˜have a right go' at Premier League Southampton in Sunday's eagerly-awaited FA Cup quarter-final clash at the DW.
Michael JacobsMichael Jacobs
Michael Jacobs

Latics go into the game in fine spirits after a stoppage-time goal from Jacobs saw them pick up three priceless points at Bradford in midweek.

The win saw Latics leapfrog second-placed Shrewsbury on goal difference, and close the gap on Blackburn – who’ve played three games more – to only five points.

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Jacobs says that gives Latics the freedom to be able to hit Southampton – whose new boss Mark Hughes will be taking charge of his first game – with everything.

And having already dumped out Bournemouth, West Ham and Manchester City, Latics will certainly have no fear.

“Southampton are a fantastic side who’ve just changed their manager,” Jacobs acknowledged.

“But we’ll approach the game the same as we’ve done in every round – we’ll have a right go.

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“Playing against Premier League opposition in the last three rounds will give us a good insight into what we’ll face.

“All we can do is set up the way we have done and give it everything we’ve got.”

While Jacobs was the hero of the win at Bradford, the three points were well deserved on the back of a fine display over the 90 minutes.

“It was real back-to-basics stuff for us, clean sheet, getting the win,” recognised Jacobs.

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“We’re a resilient bunch of lads, and we showed how together we are by digging in when we had to.

“There’s going to be games like that at this stage of the season, with the pitches the way they are.

“Most teams are scrapping for some reason – whether it’s for their lives at the bottom, to get in the play-offs, or for us trying to get into the top two.

“It’s not going to be pretty, the ball-players like Powelly are going to get targeted, but it’s another challenge you’ve got to overcome.”

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Jacobs was also delighted to get on the scoresheet, having seen his ‘goal’ in the recent draw at Blackburn being taken off him and awarded to Will Grigg.

And he saw the funny side of Grigg being the provider for his latest goal, with a deft flick.

“He took mine at Blackburn the other day, so it was nice to see him give me one back,” Jacobs laughed.

“It was a phenomenal touch, he made it easy for me.”