Milner wary of Wigan threat

James Milner has urged his Manchester City team-mates not to take Wigan Athletic lightly, comparing them to Barcelona on their day.

The Blues midfielder is well aware the Latics are currently missing a number of key players, although that didn't stop Roberto Martinez's side showing their character by coming from behind to win 3-2 against Reading last weekend.

City travel to the DW Stadium on Wednesday and boss Roberto Mancini is expected to ring the changes with one eye also on the weekend home game against Everton.

But Milner insists it would be foolish to think the champions can play in a lower gear and still manage to take a maximum haul.

Milner said: "Wigan is never an easy place to go to - they are a strong team and the pitch is usually a bit dodgy from all the rugby they play on it.

"We need to go there and take our chances and make sure we are as tight at the back as we were against Chelsea last weekend.

"Wigan have had that capacity for surprise results for a number of years now. I remember one year playing for Aston Villa and they were outstanding. It was like playing Barcelona or Real Madrid."

The Citizens are 8/15 to win at Wigan on Wednesday evening and are 7/1 to triumph by a 2-1 margin, with Milner 16/1 to open the scoring.

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