Bruce predicts cup final clash
14 Mar 2008 - 10:31:16
Wigan Athletic manager Steve Bruce is predicting a 'cup final' like relegation showdown with local rivals Bolton Wanderers on Sunday.
The Latics host their near-neighbours at the JJB Stadium with both sides desperately looking for points to boost their survival hopes.
Wigan are currently 13th in the table and three points clear of Bolton, who are languishing in 18th position.
"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."