Roberto Martinez expects more late twists as Wigan Athletic face Stoke City

Wigan have made a habit of escaping relegation

Roberto Martinez (AFP/Getty Images)

The Wigan Athletic manager, Roberto Martinez, predicts the final third of the season will be full of twists as he prepares his relegation-threatened side for a trip to Stoke City tonight.

Martinez, who has led Wigan to Premier League safety in the closing stages of the last two seasons, believes this year will be just as tight, with eight points separating the bottom six.

"This year the bottom 10 positions are really open," said Martinez, whose side have won only once in their last 10 league games. "When you go to the last third of the league season, where you are in the table is just a starting point, but I do believe it is going to be a ferocious fight. Everyone will have a say."

Odds: Stoke 11-10 Draw 5-2 Wigan 13-5

Kick-off Tonight, 7.45pm (Tomorrow BBC 1, 10.35pm)

Referee M Jones (Cheshire)