So far this term performances have been better than the results and this has left Roberto Martinez's side in a familiar position towards the foot of the table.
The recent international break will hopefully have provided a mental refresher away from the rigours of the Premier League and allow the Latics to kick start the season and start picking up the deserved results.
Untimely injuries and suspensions, aligned with some comedy refereeing have all conspired with lady luck against us so far this season.
With a virtually clean bill of health ahead of the visit to Wales this weekend to face a stuttering Swansea team, time could not be better for the Latics to offer up some consistency both in their performances and also the line up.
The return of Franco Di Santo to the starting eleven against Everton provided a noticable attacking boost. With Emmerson Boyce well rested, Jean Beausejour hopefully showing more signs of match fitness, and Arouna Kone unscathed from the Senegalese violence a settled eleven should provide the platform we need.
The internatonal break may well have provided a mental respite from the Premier League but the level of travel involved may well have had an impact on the legs of some players, particularly those flying to far flung corners of the globe, and preparations will not be ideal for Martinez.
This could well be an advantage for the Latics whose side is largely made up of those players who performed so well at the tail end of last season. Swansea meanwhile are operating under a new manager with a host of new players.
Every season seems to be the same old story with the Latics struggling before the Christmas break before pulling up trees in a desperate bid for survival.
It was widely optimised that the club could be a surprise package this season if the performances of the close to last season could be repeated.
Unfortunately this hasn't been the case to date for reasons both of the players' own making and also a fair share of back luck.
The season is still young and with two very winnable games coming up now is hopefully to opportune moment to climb up the table and give the supporters a relaxing season away from the dotted line of the bottom three.