Roberto Martinez believes the clash with Aston Villa could decide who stays up and says it would be bigger than the FA Cup final.
Wigan’s defeat at West Ham on Saturday leaves them in the relegation zone and after victories for Norwich, Sunderland and Stoke, it looks like it could come down to a straight scrap between Latics and Villa to avoid the third and final relegation spot.
Martinez says they have to get the points themselves and cannot rely on other results going their way, but he is still confident they can pull off the great escape and pick up the three wins that will probably be needed.
“We have 31 points and don’t look elsewhere for anyone to do us favours,” he said. “Remember that our last game is against Aston Villa at home. It could easily go to the last day of the season.”
When asked if the game against Villa could be bigger than the Cup final, Martinez responded: “Yes. We have achieved everything in the Cup. We go to that game to win it but the league is our priority.
“The Cup success has given us an extra belief and confidence. If we carry on performing like this we will get our points. We need many more. If you are looking around you would say that 39 is safety. That could change. There are games between the teams involved.”
Next up it is Tottenham at the DW Stadium on Saturday, followed by West Brom, Swansea and Arsenal, before what could potentially be a relegation play-off against Villa on the last day.
