Kirkland warning shot

WIGAN goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has warned high–flying Manchester City to expect another difficult time at the DW Stadium on Sunday.

City have not won at Wigan since the two sides faced each other in League One in October, 1998.

However, Mark Hughes' expensively–assembled side make the short trip up the M61 this weekend with greater expectations than in the past.

If City needed a note of caution it was provided in the Latics' last home match when Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea lost their 100 per cent record in a 3–1 defeat.

After two early defeats, Wigan have won their last two home matches and Kirkland is aiming to extend that run.

"Every game in this league is tough – it doesn't matter where you go or who you play, anyone can beat anyone," Kirkland said.

"We just have to make sure we have the right attitude, hopefully get the fans behind us and make it a good day.

"People are starting to say the DW is a fortress. We made it that a couple of years ago and we want to make it as difficult as we can for teams to visit.”

For their part, City are hoping to maintain an impressive start to the season which has seen them drop only five points in seven matches.

After spending £115million to bring in Emmanuel Adebayor, Kolo Toure, Carlos Tevez, Roque Santa Cruz, Joleon Lescott and Gareth Barry, manager Mark Hughes has been under pressure to produce immediate results.

"There were questions – would we be able to gel early as a team, would so–called egos in the dressing room be able to be managed," admitted Hughes.

"From our point of view I think we have answered them.

"We know there is a long way to go, but we are pleased with the start we have made.

"We know what we are capable of. We have shown glimpses in games where we have been outstanding, but we've not clicked for the full 90 minutes yet."

Hughes has also told his squad to ignore media reports linking Brazil forward Robinho with a January move to Barcelona.

"With all the media platforms out there everyone wants to discuss Manchester City, so it is difficult to protect the players,” he said.

"We've used some of the negative stuff as a positive in terms of motivation.

“The group we have are knowledgeable and experienced and they know how it works."