Source: PA
Things looking up for Latics - Martinez
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez believes the fact his side have been fighting to get out of the relegation zone for the last two months may actually work in their favour in the final games of the season.
For the majority of the campaign the Latics have been aware they faced another battle for Barclays Premier League survival, but since January 22 they have been entrenched in the bottom three. And although their last-gasp 2-1 win over fellow strugglers Birmingham - only a second win in 12 league matches - could not get them off the foot of the table it has put them within touching distance of safety.
Remarkably they are only three points off 13th-placed Blackburn and with Newcastle, in 11th, only a further three ahead Martinez thinks one club may be in for a shock as the campaign reaches its climax.
The Spaniard believes several of those who previously thought they were safe may not be psychologically prepared for the scrap, unlike his side who have been steeling themselves for it since the beginning of the year.
"I feel now there are seven or eight teams from which someone could be surprised and dragged in late in the season," he said. "Mentally it is very hard when you are bottom three and some teams may get into that position late in the season and that is something we need to be aware of and be prepared for.
"For us it can only get better. We are still bottom of the table but the next eight games are not just a pressure situation, they are an opportunity to get out of the position we are in. The league this season has been fantastic from the bottom to the top and there are still a lot of twists and turns to come."
