Roberto Martinez believes the next four matches could determine whether or not Wigan Athletic are staving off relegation or looking towards bigger things.
The Latics sit 15th on the table with four points from five matches and take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday before a home clash with Everton, a trip to Swansea City and another DW Stadium clash with West Ham United.
Martinez suggests his Wigan side has started in reasonable form but the next month may tell a clearer story as to where they could end up.
"I would say that looking at the start of the season it's been a good start, without being an excellent start from a points point of view," he said in the wake of last night's 4-1 Capital One Cup win at West Ham.
"I'm very happy with the competition for places and with the look the squad has at the current time and I'm very much looking forward to the next three or four games.
"I do feel that this is probably the strongest squad we've ever had at Wigan Athletic since I've been here in terms of the quality we have got and it's our unique opportunity to be tested.
"To make seven changes and go to such a difficult ground as Upton Park and win a football game but not just that but scoring four goals and showing the type of control we had. It's very pleasing."
