Bruce only has eyes for Wigan

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The Latics are at home to Reading, who are just one point above the relegation zone, while third-bottom Birmingham host Liverpool who are expected to field a weakened side ahead of their Champions League semi-final against Chelsea in midweek.

Wigan know victory at the JJB Stadium will confirm their top-flight status for at least another season and manager Bruce is determined to make Birmingham's result immaterial saying: "If you engross yourself in that then it takes you over so the only thing I try to focus on is what I can influence."

He added: "I can't influence other managers and who they're going to pick, but I think the honesty in the Premier League is there for everybody to see and that's why I think we've got the most difficult league.

"Whichever team anybody puts out, whether they've got a Champions League semi-final or not, you've got to respect that and I fully understand.

"I always hope to get the big teams on a Saturday after they've played in Europe for instance, that's always an advantage. Sometimes you get the luck of the draw and win a couple of games like that.

"But there was an unbelievable difference in the Liverpool team last week that went down to Fulham and they still won 2-0.

"So I'm just concentrating on what we can do, and if we win on Saturday, it doesn't matter a jot what anybody else does. It's a chance to go to 39 points and if we get there, we're safe."