Dawson could manage the workload, adjust the sessions and give his players whatever rest he could.
But he couldn't manufacture another five days.
By the time the players left the training ground, the manager had already begun thinking about his starting eleven.
He would need fresh legs.
He would need discipline.
And, above all, he needed his team to find a way to compete with a side that would arrive at the DW considerably better rested.
...
Just like that, the first Saturday of March arrived with a different atmosphere around the stadium.
There was still plenty of excitement and belief following the City victory, but the supporters knew what was at stake.
The league was the priority now, and Aston Villa were not the sort of opponent Wigan could afford to underestimate.
The visitors arrived with a clear purpose and from the opening minutes, the difference in preparation was apparent.
