Victory for Latics would extend their lead over the fourth-placed Robins to 13 points but a defeat would see it cut to seven.
But despite the huge importance of it all, Wilson is eagerly anticipating the televised clash at Ashton Gate.
He said: "It's going to be a very tough game for us but we are not daunted by it.
"There is a mutual respect between the clubs, which was demonstrated when Paul Jewell rested four players for the FA Cup tie against Stoke on Saturday.
"We need to make inroads into their lead to make sure there is more than one automatic promotion place up for grabs and I'm looking forward to a great contest.
"You get what you pay for in football and Wigan's record this season suggests they have purchased good players."
Latics have the psychological advantage of already having beaten City this season, Scott Green and Lee McCulloch on target in a 2-0 home win in August.
Despite freezing temperatures gripping the country this week, City officials are confident of getting the game played.
The Ashton Gate pitch has been covered all week and the arrival of a slight thaw today gave the groundsman even more optimism.
Unfortunately, frost put paid to Latics' reserve game against Blackpool at the Robin Park Arena yesterday.
A local referee ruled the surface unplayable during a morning inspection, putting paid to a run out for some of Paul Jewell's squad.
Steve McMillan was hoping to play part of the game after being ruled out of action since Boxing Day with a ricked neck.
Jewell must now decide whether the left-back's participation in training this week has been sufficient to earn him a place in the squad travelling to Bristol.
Mike Flynn, Leighton Baines and Ged Brannan were also hoping for a game after a shortage of action over the festive period.
Blackburn manager Graeme Souness has been charged by the FA following his touchline bust-up at Wigan during the Worthington Cup quarter-final last month.
Souness was ordered from the dugout by referee Andy D'Urso after a row with fourth official Matt Messias.
He has been charged with "improper conduct and abusive/insulting language."
Article from the Wigan Evening Post.