The Latics have struggled away from home in recent times, the nadir coming at Tottenham last month when they conceded nine goals to Harry Redknapp's men. Even though they managed a creditable draw at Stoke on Saturday, Hugo Rodallega's last-minute penalty miss cost them two points. Yet Martinez remains confident his team can give a good account of themselves on Merseyside. "Anfield will always be a tough place to visit," said the Wigan boss. "But it is also a glamorous place. You should look forward to playing against a team like Liverpool and I feel we are ready to do ourselves justice." Wigan will certainly be looking to make a bright start. Liverpool, with only three wins in their last 15 games, are hardly in the best frame of mind but Martinez does not expect the home side to be too deeply affected. "You are talking about Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Pepe Reina and Jamie Carragher," he said. "It is probably the most experienced group of players in world football. What is happening at the moment will not affect them." It means the chances are it will be a busy night for former Liverpool star Chris Kirkland, who returns to Anfield with Martinez again championing his claims for a place at next summer's World Cup. It may seem like an outlandish suggestion given Kirkland has only represented his country once, as a substitute against Greece in August 2006. But with doubts surrounding all his other keepers, Fabio Capello might be forced to look at potential alternatives. And Martinez insists there is no-one better than Kirkland. "Chris would be the perfect choice," said Martinez. "He has proved beyond question that he is one of the best English goalkeepers and is now in the best form of his career. "People may say it is not realistic but I disagree. "When you look at the options Fabio Capello has got, Chris is as good as anybody."
