Hugo Rodallega is backed to start scoring again(credit:
illarterate)
Wigan Athletic FC manager Roberto Martinez has backed under fire striker Hugo Rodallega to start firing home the goals again – starting with Liverpool FC tonight.
The Latics host the Reds tonight at the DW Stadium and are 5/1 with BetFred to claim the victory, while the visitors are overwhelming favourites at 8/13 with Bet365 with the draw on offer at 11/2 with Victor Chandler.
The Colombian striker, who is 9/1 with Ladbrokes to get the first goal of the game and 5/2 with Boylesports to score at any time in the 90 minutes, has not hit the back of the net since Boxing Day against Blackburn Rovers.
It is also 100 days since Wigan last won a home game, that was a 1-0 win over Sunderland with Rodallega getting the only goal on November 28.
Despite not scoring this year and also missing two penalties manager Martinez still has confidence in his striker and is not panicking.
Martinez told the Wigan Evening Post: “Hugo is not allowing himself to get down over the situation. If anything it is making him more determined to score a goal.
"You could see last week at Birmingham, he was looking for chances that weren't there, and that shows he has the right attitude and that footballing arrogance to not be affected.
"What we need to make sure is that he stays composed in the last third and does not get too frustrated, because that would change his decision-making when he does get in good positions.
"But it's important he keeps enjoying his football, because he is at his best when he does that – and he remains a very clinical finisher."