Wigan Athletic head into Sunday’s local derby against fellow relegation candidates Bolto Wanderers with manager Steve Bruce predicting a ‘cup final.’
Premier League survival raises the stakes so high that when strugglers Wigan and Bolton collide at the JJB on Sunday, it will be akin to a cup final, says Latics boss Steve Bruce.
Both the near-neighbours are desperately seeking points to boost their survival prospects.
Wigan are currently 13th in the table, but only three points better off than Bolton, who are down in the relegation places at 18th.
“It’s going to be a cup final,” admitted Bruce, who is likely to be without Emile Heskey because of a foot injury.
“It’s a huge fixture because matches with other clubs around us in the table are deciders.
“We’re now up to 13th in the Premiership and I wish the season was over now, but to go from second bottom to 13th in just a matter of months means we’ve done extremely well.
“We’ve taken 20 points from 15 games since I took charge and I’ve always been a firm believer in the theory that, if a club takes a point a game, then they do stay up.
“We’re ahead of schedule and the signs are there that we are a decent team.”
Mark Hinton, Goal.com
Birmingham Exit Disappointed Bruce
Heskey: Valencia Good Enough For United
Fergie: Bruce Helped Us Lift Title