Today at 3:05 p.m. ET, Wigan Athletic and FK Rubin Kazan go head-to-head in UEFA Europa League Group D action live from The DW Stadium in the United Kingdom. The game can be live streamed here.
Wigan boss Owen Coyle realizes that Rubin is the favorite to win Europa Group D, but he believes his team has what it takes to defeat them. After fighting Zulte to a 0-0 tie on the road and playing tough against them before defeating Maribor 3-1 at home, Coyle is cautiously optimistic heading into today's match.
"Both performances have been terrific in different ways. Tomorrow night we will need to be of the same standard," Coyle told ESPN Wednesday. "Rubin are a fantastic side and favorites for the group but we have an opportunity to go above them tomorrow night, and if we play to our level we certainly believe we can win the game."
Coyle expressed that his team realizes it won't be an easy task and that they are excited for the challenge that awaits them today.
"We are under no illusions about how difficult it will be. This is a quality side. They have a tremendous European pedigree," he said per ESPN. "But this is an exciting time for everyone at Wigan Athletic. The fans have really embraced the competition, we have and we want to progress and qualify."
Wigan will have all hands on deck except for midfielder Shaun Maloney, who has been out since mid-September and is expected to miss three months as he's set to undergo a hip operation. Coyle said that defender Stephen Crainey is good to go after a four-match absence and that striker Grant Holt will start after missing Wigan's first two Europa League games.
Holt noted that it's been a bit frustrating at times to miss games due to his injury, but that he's learned a lot from observing the games and not actively partaking in them.
"It has been frustrating to miss all the matches I have," he said per ESPN. "I didn't really get much pre-season and had to catch up a little bit with the lads. Then I was just starting to find my feet a little bit form and fitness-wise, and to get the knock and be out for several weeks has not been fantastic but it has given me a chance to watch, learn and see the games."
Holt will be raring to go as Coyle's team looks to answer the challenge today against a tough Rubin Kazan team this afternoon.
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