Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi is hoping to draw on last year's survival instincts to avoid the drop again this season.
Wigan 'keeper wants to recreate the survival spirit from last season
Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi is hoping to draw on last year's survival instincts to avoid the drop again this season.
The Latics are second bottom in the Premier League table, only above Blackburn due to goal difference.
Roberto Martinez's side lost their crucial local derby to Bolton on Saturday, meaning they have picked up just one win this season.
They finished just three points above the relegation zone last term and look set to face a similar struggle this time around.
Last year's survival was mainly due to a four-match unbeaten run that they enjoyed towards the end of the campaign.
Wigan face four sides currently in the bottom half of the table before the end of November and Al-Habsi is hoping to emulate last season's success.
Difficult position
He told
Wigan Today: "We have put ourselves in a very difficult position - even at this early stage of the season - and everyone has to stick together.
"The advantage we have is we were in this situation for most of last year and we managed to turn it around, so we know what we have to do.
"We'll need to show a similar kind of spirit and determination to do it again, and hopefully that will start next week at Newcastle.
"We know we have a very, very tough run of fixtures coming up in December - all big teams, all top teams.
"Between now and then we have to pick up as many points as we can, so we can go into that run with confidence."
