Boyce confident of beating drop

Wigan defender Emmerson Boyce admits he would rather the team be playing badly and winning than the reverse but remains confident they can escape relegation.

The Latics are without a win since December 10, during which time they have picked up just four points from nine matches.

They are bottom of the table, five points from safety, and make the short trip to near-neighbours Bolton, just two places above them, for a match Boyce accepts neither team can afford to lose. "We need to start picking up the three points now because we are getting too far behind," the 32-year-old told Latics Player.

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