Boss Roberto Martinez is confident Wigan can avoid relegation if they learn to avoid lapses in concentration. The Latics have hovered just above the relegation zone for much of the season, picking up some impressive results but failing to find the consistency required to move up the table.
And they remain in trouble with just five games to play after going down 2-1 to Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday. "We have got two home games (next) and the home form is going to be vital," he admitted.
"But we are not far away. It is going to be an exciting run-in but I am more interested in our own performance.
"We don't want to be involved in things on the last day of the season."
Martinez believes Wigan have shown they are talented enough to compete in the top flight but have just been naive at times with their defending.
"When we do the right things we can beat anyone. We beat Chelsea, Liverpool, and Aston Villa away from home but we need to make sure we mature quickly," he explained.
"We are a young squad and it is a new group of players but the basics in football are concentration and learning to be a bit more ruthless.
"We performed well in the first half against Fulham but we gave away cheap goals in the second period. We have to learn from our lapses in concentration."