Last season, the Latics stayed up at Sheffield United's expense after pulling off a nerve-wracking 2-1 win away to the Blades.

Should their relegation fight again go down to the wire this term, they may need to avoid defeat in their final match against title-chasing Manchester United at home.

However, the Latics are in a much stronger position than last year and could have secured their top-flight status for another season with victory at home to Reading last week.

A goalless draw left them five points above the drop zone heading into the final two matches. Yet, even if Wigan are still not safe when they host United, Bruce is confident they will do enough.

"If it goes down to the final game then we've got to be prepared for that," he said. "We don't want it to, that's for sure, but if needs be, we might have to do it.

"We'll have to prepare in the right way next week, but it'll be nice to put it to bed this weekend. We had an opportunity last weekend and didn't take it, but here we are again."

Wigan have 37 points and just one more could be enough, although the Latics will be guaranteed survival if third-bottom Birmingham City fail to beat second-bottom Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday.