Eriksson Hoping To Perform Without Elano

The Swedish manager knows what an impact the Brazilian midfielder has had on the Citizens, but now wants the rest of the players to show that they are not a one-man team.

Elano is sidelined with a hamstring injury and the blow has come just as City were looking to end a poor run of away displays that has seen them pick up just five points from six matches.

"It is pity Elano is not playing because we know what he means to us," Eriksson said.

"He is having a scan and we do not know at the moment how long he will be out for. But that's life. We have to show we can play without him in the side."

Geovanni Deberson or Stephen Ireland will compete to take Elano's spot in the centre for City at Wigan and Eriksson can see the merits of both.

"We have to consider Geovanni or Ireland for Elano's role," he continued. "Ireland is doing well and is in good shape, even though he is in a role that is new to him.

"But he is improving and his two goals gave us four more points."

Eriksson knows that new Wigan manager Steve Bruce will be looking to make a good start and believes that the Latic's league position is a false one.

"It is a big game and a difficult game against them. They are a better team than the table shows," he concluded.