Landzaat ready for survival battle

With just one point from their last ten games, the Latics certainly need to pick up a victory and Blackburn at home on Saturday will be a tough test.

But Landzaat insisted that the squad is up for the fight. He said: "I think we can get out of this. It's clear that it is going to be a tough season and a long season, but we have to accept that and get on with it.

Landzaat scores against Horwich

"Every game has to be a cup final for us now, We tried to do that against Manchester City the other week and we got a good result. We definitely have the quality in the squad to get out of trouble, but we need to stop giving goals away like we've been doing.

"This is an important period for the club and we need to start taking points from the games, starting against Blackburn on Saturday. The manager has changed things. We are working very hard and that is what he is looking for.

"He wants us fighting for each other, putting our legs and heads into everything."

After scoring Wigan's consolation goal against Bolton, Landzaat is likely to retain his place in the squad for the visit of Rovers.

One player who could well be dropped is out-of-form Paul Scharner. The Austrian international is devoid of form at the moment and even put through his own goal against Bolton on Sunday. Perhaps a little more football is needed from the Austrian...

On the plus side, Emile Heskey is said to be fit for the game and should partner Marcus Bent up front. Mike Pollitt could be restored to goal after Chris Kirkland's poor record so far this term between the sticks.