David Platt insists Manchester City's Premier League clash with Wigan on Wednesday is not simply preparation for next month's FA Cup final.
The two sides will come together midweek in the English top flight before competing again on May 11 at Wembley Stadium.
But Roberto Mancini's second-in-command is adamant that each match is a separate incident ahead of Wednesday's clash, citing the amount of football to be played in between.
"It is not a case of because we are playing them tonight, we will know how to play them in the cup final," he told the official FA website.
"Each team has four or five games before then."
Platt went on to point out that Wigan continue to fight the threat of relegation from the Premier League, a reality that will likely monopolise their attention until the cup final draws near.
"Roberto Martinez is a good manager and I am sure they are looking at the next four or five games and thinking, 'If we can get away from that relegation threat, then we can enjoy the day'," Platt said.
"It doesn't take the shine off the day but retaining Premier League status for them is paramount.
"I am sure if they have it in the bag by then, they will be delighted and they can go and enjoy a Wembley cup final."
