Martinez banks on home comforts

The Latics have the worst home record in the top flight, taking just 10 points from a possible 42 with just two wins, the last coming on November 24.

They will play half of their final 10 matches in front of their own fans, starting against Newcastle on Sunday, and Martinez is confident Wigan can utilise the feelgood factor of fans looking forward to an FA Cup semi-final appearance.

"It is something we have been working at and we need to change, but to give you a clear answer it is because we concede too many goals," said the Spaniard, trying to explain their poor home form.

"We haven't been playing too badly and it is not much different to the way we play away from home, but what is different is the final outcome and how easy we concede goals.

"On Sunday we see it as the start of the final five games at the stadium where we need to hit our best form and that is our focus.

"It is a big difference to play at the DW Stadium at this final time of the season where the whole environment is more intense and gives the players that extra yard and we need to take advantage of that."

It was around this time last season the Latics put together a formidable run which saw them win seven of their last nine matches to escape relegation.

Martinez believes that feat will help them 12 months on.

His side are three points from safety, although they have a match in hand, but he does not know how many more points they will have to add to their current total of 24 to survive.

"We are not looking at the points tally, all we are looking at is how we can get a winning run for the final 10 games," he added.

"The lessons (of last season) are there, the experience is there from the dressing room and that gives you knowledge of what to expect.

"But this season the real fight to avoid relegation is harder than ever."

Newcastle arrive on the back of two late victories, in the league and in Europe, but they are one of Wigan's favourite teams, with the Latics having taken more points off the Magpies than against any other top-flight opponent.

The Latics have recorded at least one win in five of the seven seasons they have met each other in the Premier League and, after losing 3-0 at St James' Park in December the odds, therefore, appear to be in their favour.

"They are in a top moment in terms of confidence and morale and in their last two games they have produced late winners and that always gives you a great feeling," said Martinez, whose team beat Newcastle 4-0 in that remarkable late run last season.

"They were galvanised in January with the introduction of new players but they have not lost the good things they had last season: a dressing room with a competitive edge and a strong group.

"I don't think we will be surprised by anything we find on Sunday, but what we have to do is find our best level and the opposition will be irrelevant in the final 10 games of the season.

"I don't think Newcastle are in the right position in the table (13th).

"They are capable of competing for better things and that is what we have seen in their latest results."