Latics are hoping to win their first-ever piece of silverware against City.
Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez could axe first-choice keeper Joel Robles for Saturday’s FA Cup final with Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in favour of recalling the more experienced Ali Al Habsi, according to reports in the Daily Mirror.
Al Habsi, 31, recently lost his place in the Latics goal to the younger, but more inexperienced, Frenchman as the club battle to avoid being relegated from the Premier League.
However, the Spaniard’s controversial decision has backfired on him at times in recent weeks, with Robles making a number of glaring errors that have cost the top-flight strugglers crucial points in their bid to remain in the Premier League.
In particular, the shot stopper was badly at fault for Gareth Bale’s opener in Wigan’s recent 2-2 draw with high-flying Tottenham Hotspur at the DW stadium, a result that could in effect end up costing the club their place in the top flight come the end of the season.
And now it looks like Martinez will return to his previous No 1, Oman international Al Habsi, who has played more than 100 matches for Wigan since arriving at the club three years ago.
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