However, anything other than maximum points for Reading, Bolton and Birmingham would guarantee safety for the Latics even if Martin O'Neill's men take all three points at Villa Park.
An American takeover has been one of the best things to happen to Aston Villa and Europe is now very possible for Martin O'Neill and his team.
Randy Lerner has not been controversial unlike some of the other foreign owners in the Premier League with Tom Hicks and George Gillett causing a major stir at Liverpool.
Lerner has been patient, understanding and backed his manager 100%. This has been the backbone for O'Neill to go out and do exactly what he wants at Villa. With plenty of young English talent in the team and a fantastic youth policy, O'Neill has not had to go out and spend the millions at his disposal like Portsmouth and Manchester City.
Villa have done their job quietly and very effectively to be on the edge of a UEFA Cup campaign. This game will be a huge test for Wigan and if the team can get away from Villa Park with at least a point it will definitely be a point worth taking.
Some super performances has seen Villa put 6 past lowly Derby, 4 past Bolton and 5 past Birmingham. With all of those teams being involved in a relegation battle throughout the season, Latics will be up against a Villa team bang in form.
Nobody expected Wigan to go to Stamford Bridge and get a point but it happened and the title race took another twist. Our performance at the Bridge definitely showed that the club can get points when needed and fight to the death.
Once again Emile Heskey is a doubt for the game and if he fails to regain match fitness then Marlon King or Antoine Sibierski look most likely to come into the first team. With the backing of 1,200 fans at Villa park I hope that they can play their part and stick with the team in this crucial match.
If Birmingham fail to beat Fulham at Craven Cottage then our top flight status will be secure, of course we should look to finish off the job ourselves but I'm sure every single Wigan fan will become a Fulham fan for the day.
Key Players for Aston Villa
Martin Laursen - The strong centre back has found the back of the net on a number of occasions this season and is solid at the back. Always a danger off set pieces and will have to be watched.
Gareth Barry - One of the men of the moment in the Premier League and linked with a big money move away from Villa in the Summer, A great passer of the ball who has bags of energy.
Ashley Young - Voted in the PFA team of the year and deservedly so. Has been inspirational along with Gabriel Agbonlahor and a future England Starter I'm sure. Amazingly quick and has an eye for goal. Will cause our back four problems if on form.
Gabriel Agbonlahor - A member of the Villa academy and is one of the quickest players in the Premier League. Has impressed Fabio Capello this season and another future England star. Another who will cause the back four problems.
Prediction
Villa will be chasing 5th spot and will be throwing caution to the wind. I hope Latics can deal with the form of Villa and if our performance is similar to the one at Stamford Bridge a few weeks ago, a point could be on the cards. 1-1.