Kone: Rest will help Wigan

Wigan striker Arouna Kone reckons the squad will benefit from a full week of preparation when they face Tottenham on Saturday.

The Latics go into the match in the relegation zone, three points behind Aston Villa with a game in hand.

And with just five Premier League matches remaining, the Ivory Coast international is confident Wigan can put a run together and retain their top-flight status.

"It's a big week," Kone told the club's official website.

"(We have) to mix rest with hard work and be physically ready for the game at our own pace rather than having to play three games within a week like we've had to recently.

"It is crucial that we have a full week to prepare for the Tottenham game.

"It's a key match so being able to prepare properly will really help us and we need to be focused because Tottenham are a tough team."