But Latics' goal difference is 13 better and could be what separates them when the final whistle sounds next weekend.
The clash with Reading is sure to be one of high drama and emotion, and boss Paul Jewell couldn't be happier.
He said: "It's in our own hands and that is all we could ask for going into the last game of the season.
"If we get a win against Reading we are up, simple as that.
"We didn't want to go into that game having to rely on Ipswich not getting a result.
"It should be a great occasion as Reading have to come here to beat us if they want to get into the play-offs.
"It has the hallmarks of a cracking game and should be one we'll enjoy being part of.
"If two years ago you would have offered our fans, the chairman or myself a seventh place finish then second or third at worst, we would have been dancing in the streets.
"There will be pressure next week but let's enjoy it.
"I've told the players this is what we're in this game for, we like the cut and thrust of these situations. I would rather be here than in mid-table with nothing to play for.
"Whatever happens on Sunday, we won't be unlucky if we miss out and won't be lucky if we are promoted.
"This is a 46-game season and you finish where you deserve to. The players know that they have 90 minutes of the season left and their destiny is in their own hands."
Jewell wasn't enamoured by Latics' Deepdale performance.
Lee McCulloch put them in front before Brian O'Neil was left unmarked to equalise.
Jewell said: "I wasn't disappointed with the result because Preston isn't an easy place to go.
"However I was disappointed with our performance, we didn't do anything that we're good at and did the simple things wrong.
"We didn't get into a rhythm, Preston started well, the pitch was great and fast, and we just didn't play.
"But they say the sign of a good team is when you don't play well, you still get something out of the game.
"I was disappointed with the marking for their equaliser and words were certainly said at half-time about it.
"For all the football on show it was two set-pieces which led to both goals.
"Whether it was a free-kick which led to their goal, I don't know, but we should have defended it better."