A win in The Hawthorns, though, would keep them in touch with the leading pair as the season starts bubbling towards its climax.
Latics boss Paul Jewell admits the destiny of the top two is in their own hands, but is ready to take advantage of any slip by them.
Jewell said: "We are trying to catch the top two, but they are nine points clear and can only throw it away.
"But if they do throw it away, we want to be sniffing around there trying to take advantage.
"We're third at the moment, right up there in the shake-up, although there is a long way to go.
"It should be a decent game tonight, a fantastic atmosphere, and I presume we go there as underdogs.
"We have to get the ball down and have the courage to play in the right areas which is something we didn't do at Bradford on Saturday."
Jewell hopes that performance is out of the players' system after training sessions on Sunday and yesterday.
While it was another point gained, he was disappointed by the display and has communicated that to the squad in no uncertain terms.
He said: "I was angry on Saturday but that has gone now, and we're just concentrating on tonight.
"We had a chat before training on Sunday and I spoke to four or five players individually who didn't do themselves justice.
"But that happens in football, and it's happening to Manchester United and Liverpool at the minute.
"It will be a different kind of game tonight.
"West Brom have plenty of players with experience, they are big and strong with a certain way of playing which we will have to combat.
"They are well managed by Gary Megson who I worked under when I was a player at Bradford. He's an outstanding coach and says it how he sees it which is something I like."
Jewell has a couple of selection problems to wrestle with before deciding on his team tonight (7.45pm kick-off).
The main dilemma is on the left side of midfield, with Alan Mahon doubtful (hamstring)and Gareth Farrelly short of match sharpness.
If Mahon doesn't make it, Lee McCulloch could be asked to return to wing duties, allowing Neil Roberts a rare start in attack alongside Nathan Ellington.
Jewell said: "Alan trained a little bit with the physio yesterday but I would say he is doubtful because you have to be careful with hamstrings.
"But if he is fit, he will play.
"Gareth wasn't really fit enough to start on Saturday, although it was a case of needs must.
"He was off the pace, but wasn't the only one, and is not match fit just yet."
Jason Roberts serves the final game of a three-match ban tonight, denied the chance of facing the club who sold him to Latics for £1.4m in January.
The striker has been on international duty for Grenada for the past week, scoring in their 3-1 victory over Guyana on Sunday in a World Cup CONCACAF preliminary qualifier.
Source: Wigan Evening Post.