Meanwhile the away trip to Sunderland , followed by the home game with Hull City on Mother's Day are two other crucial games according to Bruce.
He told the Wigan Evening Post: "We've got three games coming up which I think will define our season. In the last couple of months we've had a horrific runs of matches, playing Manchester United, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Chelsea.
"We've come out the other end still okay. Let's hope we can get ourselves three points against West Ham. If we can keep playing the way we have been doing, we will be all right.
"Looking back at recent games, we could have actually got a lot more than we did, we've been unfortunate at times. You don't get to seventh place in the Premier League without having something about you.
"Against Chelsea we were absolutely terrific. The lads showed real endeavour, enthusiasm and a sheer will not to be beaten."
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