Di Santo braced for tough challenge

Franco Di Santo expects his Wigan side to face another difficult campaign following their dramatic escape from relegation last season.

Wigan put together a remarkable run of form in the final weeks of the 2011/12 season, beating the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal to secure their survival.

Former Chelsea forward Di Santo feels the English Premier League’s big guns will now be on their guard when they face Roberto Martinez’s men.

“I think this season now is going to be even tougher now that teams will not underestimate us after what we did last year, and maybe some of the big teams we defeated will all be looking for revenge, so we have to be ready for that,” he told the club’s official website.

“Perhaps they will take greater precaution against us and be more aware of what we are capable of, so we need to be even better in our preparations and approach to every game.

“We are ready to accept that challenge and want to get the new season underway to show people what we’re capable of and see if we can push even higher up the table.”