Manchester United can move to within one point of wrapping up a third straight Premier League title by beating Wigan here on Wednesday. But Sir Alex Ferguson's stars have been warned by France defender Patrice Evra that they could yet throw the title away if they allow any hint of complacency to creep in ahead of their trip to the JJB Stadium.
The World Club champions and Champions League finalists will move six points clear of Liverpool at the summit with two games remaining if they defeat their mid-table opponents. That will leave Sir Alex Ferguson's side requiring a point at home to Arsenal on Saturday to equal Liverpool's record of 18 English titles.
Yet Evra is taking nothing for granted as he eyes his own third Premier League winners medal since moving to Old Trafford from Monaco in January 2006. "We're nearly there," said Evra. "If we win against Wigan, it will be very important for winning the title. But it's not finished yet.
"We have a Champions League final to look forward to, but we have to put that to the back of our minds and concentrate on the league. "The manager tells us we need to win every game. At Manchester United the aim is always to win. "In March we lost to Liverpool and Fulham, the first time since I arrived that we'd lost two league games in a row.
"I've never felt pain like that in my life before and I don't want to feel like that again. "That's why I'm confident we'll finish the job and go on and win the league." Liverpool's form and superior goal difference means United will almost certainly have to win at least one of their remaining three matches to be sure of the title.
As a result, Ferguson will be keen to get the job done here rather than having to rely on beating either Arsenal or Hull on the final day of the season when Phil Brown's side may be playing for Premier League survival. History suggests United should take the three points however.
United have not lost a league game against Wigan and the last time they visited the JJB Stadium they left with the Premier League trophy after winning 2-0 to clinch the title on the final day of last season. Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot in that victory yet the Portugal winger could be rested this time as Ferguson rotates his squad following Sunday's 2-0 victory over Manchester City.