Martinez showed that, as players come back from injury, he has some real choices to make in his team selection. He even feels confident enough to let Jones go. The four changes were all successful on Saturday. Alcaraz has stiffened the defence. McManaman and Gomez scored and Robles looked steady.
Wigan even had a strong bench. When McManaman went off, he was replaced by Miyaichi. Unfortunately, he had to go off too. It didn’t matter in the game – McArthur came on – but it would be nice to have them both fit for next week. I think McArthur and Di Santo will return against Newcastle – and they will probably be better for the rest.
The extra numbers will be useful as midweeks start to book up. Matches against Manchester City and Swansea have to be rearranged – the semi-final will be decided on the day. Should Wigan get to the final, I assume the home game against Villa – possibly a crucial game for both clubs – will have to be brought forward.
International games on 22 and 26 March add an extra load. Strachan has already called up Caldwell, McArthur and Maloney for the World Cup qualifiers against Wales (home) and Serbia (away).