Next 5 Rounds - Crucial

Bruce has worked miracles so far in his time with the Latics however the next 5 rounds could determine if the Latics will be playing in the Premier League next season.

Bruce before the Derby game said "I think you have to win 10 games to stay in the Premier League'.

Latics have now won 5 games thanks to a 1-0 away win against Derby, their 1st win away this season.

The next 5 games are going to be crucial in how the season unfolds for the Latics as they play 3 other struggling teams all of which they wouldn`t want to lose points to.

The next 5 round fixtures are as follows
- Everton (H)
- Middlesborough (A)
- West Ham (H)
- Sunderland (A)
- Derby (H)

If the Latics are to avoid relegation they will not drop points against Middlesborough, Sunderland or Derby.

They really need to win at least 2 of those games ideally all 3 if they are to meet the 10 winning match target set out by Bruce.

Everton and West Ham whilst will be tough, play the Latics at home and they have shown that they are a much better team at home than away and will be hoping on snaring a draw or a surprise victory in either of these games which would be an added bonus, after the performances of late anything is possible.

Latics require at least 7pts from these 5 games, anything less a failure, anything more would be an added bonus, if the Latics lose a game it needs to remain close to maintain the for and against

The Latics need to be on 36pts come end of the year to avoid the drop, if they can peg at least 7pts from the next 5 games they will then only need to another 9pts from the last 11 matches with 6 of those games played at home

Granted Sunderland have a game in hand, but the Latics destiny is in their own hands now, they are currently 3pts clear of the drop zone, have a 3 goal difference for and against and also have scored 2 more goals than what Sunderland, they just need to keep the momentum rolling.