CHAIRMAN Dave Whelan expects to see Wigan Athletic in a strong position by the turn of the year.

Wigan's creative style of football under the guidance of Roberto Martinez has impressed the Latics chairman, who knows some massive games are looming.

Sunday's tough trip to Harry Redknapp's Tottenham is followed by home games with Sunderland and Birmingham, with Wigan on the lookout for a good points return going into December.

Whelan said: "We have been playing some good football and have had some terrific results but we can't afford to take our eye off the ball.

"The way things are shaping up, it looks like eight teams will be fighting to stay up.

"I obviously do not want us to become caught up in this. We have had a fairly tough start but we have shown we can compete and even beat the best.

"We are going along nicely but a vital stage of the season is now coming up and we know what we need to do."

Manager Martinez is particularly pleased with the telling contribution of newcomers Momo Diame and Hendy Thomas and says: "They communicate well and the best is yet to come from this pair."

Tottenham league form: DWLLW

Wigan league form: LDWLD

Key opponent: Jermain Defoe - already has 10 goals to his name this season

Prediction: Tottenham 1 Wigan 1 - stalemate between two unpredictable teams

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