Martinez: Wigan need five points

Roberto Martinez has told Wigan players that five points from their last four Premier League matches should keep them up.

The 38-year-old masterminded victories over Manchester United and Arsenal in the Latics’ last two games leaving them five points clear of the relegation zone.

They face Fulham, Newcastle, Blackburn and Wolves in their four remaining fixtures and while he understands they will be difficult to obtain, Martinez is confident five points from those matches will be enough to secure safety.

“In a game where it is three points for a win, five points is nothing,” he told Sky Sports.

“When you’ve got the next four games as difficult as we’ve got, I’m under no illusions that the fight starts now for us.

“I don’t think you’re going to need 39 points this season. Last season it wasn’t enough, with Blackpool and Birmingham getting relegated with 39.

“I do think it is going to be less than that this time, but that has to be the target.

“That’s the target to get overall, but if you ask me, the target is to be as good as we can.”