By Alan G
March 17 2006

Latics travel to Eastlands this Saturday confident of picking up a win in a vital six pointer as City have one eye on progressing in the FA Cup. Latics have now set their sights firmly on European qualification, and whilst 12 points clear in the fair play league, they will want to push on in the league with a victory against City.

Latics assistant manager Chris Hutchings: "We are looking to finish on a high note.

"Europe has to be our target and we have set a challenge to the players. We will give it our best shot - we do not want the season to fizzle out.

"We have reached our safety target and a cup final. Making Europe would crown a wonderful season."

Latics have no new injury worries, David Thompson (knee) and Damien Francis (foot) are both being troubled by injury but are expected to be available for the City match.

Manchester City striker Georgios Samaras is doubtful after suffering a knee injury in the midweek FA Cup tie.

Manager Stuart Pearce will also give late fitness tests to captain Sylvain Distin (virus) and Joey Barton (ankle).

Man City (from): James, Sun Jihai, Dunne, Distin, Richards, Jordan, Sinclair, Barton, Croft, Musampa, Reyna, Riera, Samaras, Sibierski, Vassell, Wright-Phillips, Weaver, Sommeil.

Latics (from): Filan, Chimbonda, De Zeeuw, Scharner, Baines, Teale, Bullard, Kavanagh, McCulloch, Roberts, Camara, Connolly, Thompson, Ziegler, Johansson, Walsh, Jackson, Mahon, Francis.

REFEREE:

Martin Atkinson (W Yorkshire)