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Each team has a spine of key players. For Wigan the three players who will be important to our success on Saturday evening will be Antolin Alcaraz, James McCarthy and Arouna Kone. The three players are all in form at the moment and if they manage to hit top form again, will surely help us get pass Millwall.
On the other hand Millwall have three key players of their own. In defense the presence of Danny Shittu will be important. While their midfield is bossed by Liam Totter (the player could be a doubt). Up front Rob Hulse will provide the threat of the big man that we will have to counter.
Antolin Alcaraz vs Rob Hulse
Two very big players who both love to challenge for the ball. Rob Hulse has been around the block and knows how to handle himself well. Since joining on loan from QPR in January, Hulse hasonly scored one so far for Millwall but don't expect that to stay like that.
The striker give power and pace up front, and will be looking to cause our inform defender some problems. Yet Antolin Alcaraz has handled more or less every defender with ease since his return. Keeping Luis Suarez quite for the last twenty minutes in his first appearance, it won't be easy for Hulse to get much off Alcaraz.
James McCarthy vs Liam Trotter
The battle between these two players would be very interesting. As it currently stands though, Millwall maybe with out the 24 year old Trotter who has a knee problem. If the players is fit, then I can't see why Kenny Jackett wouldn't play the midfielder. He adds that extra bounce to a midfield that you need.
Much like James McCarthy has done for Latics this season. James will be hoping to continue with what has been an excellent season for the midfielder with some big performances. Another one here for the player and he will be making a name for himself.
Our hopes of winning this game come down to controlling the middle of the pack, and hopefully McCarthy can guide the team to doing just that.
Arouna Kone vs Danny Shittu
Here is the one battle on the pitch I am most looking forward to. Mr Shittu one of the meanest defenders I have ever seen play, and can keep out the best of the world on his day (talking to the Daily Mail he said just that), he will be a tough opponent for Kone to face.
The striker who didn't manage to find the net against QPR at the weekend, will be looking to add another goal to his name at the weekend. For his first season in the English game he has got off to a flyer and getting a goal at Wembley I am sure would be the cherry on the cake.
It will be interesting to see who comes out on top of this one. Personally my money will be on Kone, but then I am biased.
However you look at the game it is going to be a hard fought match with both teams looking to win it. Both have relegation worries in the League, Wigan's a bit more serious than Millwall's; yet both will want to put them aside and get a win at the weekend.