Tottenham midfielder Wilson Palacios expects the qualities that sparked an extended World Cup party in Honduras to be on display when Wigan arrive at White Hart Lane.
Palacios almost missed the win over Portsmouth last month as the president of Honduras ordered a party to celebrate their World Cup qualification for South Africa next summer, where the South Americans, whose only previous appearance came in Spain in 1982, will look to showcase their powerful team.
However, the 25-year-old and international team-mate Hendry Thomas, who share more than 100 caps between them, will first be battling against each other in midfield this weekend.
Palacios left Wigan in January and has since earned praise for his no-nonsense approach, with Spurs boss Harry Redknapp deeming the £12million fee to be money well spent for what the midfielder brings.
"I have always played football in this way, ever since I was young in Honduras, football is very raw, very strong, but there is plenty of technique too," Palacios said.
"All the kids in Honduras play like that. The blend of technique and toughness suits the Premier League very well but the thing about the game here is the speed, we have to adapt to that very quickly.
"The speed is something that really hits you when you come here."
