WIGAN boss Paul Jewell has spent this week hammering home the importance of beating teams like Brighton if Premiership promotion dreams are to become reality.

Table-toppers Latics will run out against a struggling Seagulls with a directive from Jewell at the forefront of their minds.

Jewell has been quick to pinpoint a crucial defeat in similar circumstances last season which he claims cost Wigan a place in the play-offs.

Jewell said: "Losing against Wimbledon at home arguably cost us getting into the play-offs.

"It will be the same tomorrow as everyone will look at the League and think because it's top against bottom it will be an easy three points.

"The supporters will be expecting us to roll Brighton over but it won't happen because they will make it difficult for us.

"Two years ago we were top having won the first four games. Port Vale were bottom they came here and won 1-0."

One leading bookmaker slashed Latics odds to 4-1 to win the Coca Cola Championship after the 3-1 win at West Ham.

Jewell is still interested in Blackburn defender Andy Todd but will only move after the defender recovers from knee surgery and passes a medical.

Wigan are set to be unchanged against the Seagulls.

LAST SEASON: Different divisions

KEY OPPONENT: Leon Knight - will have a point to prove.

FORECAST: Wigan Athletic 2 Brighton 0 Tweet