Premier League 
/ Feizal Rahman / 21 May 2011 / Leave a Comment Roberto Martinez faces an anxious Sunday afternoon
"Wigan have failed to record back-to-back wins this season so after last week’s dramatic victory over West Ham, it’s perhaps a surprise to see them as [2.7] favourites..."
Wigan are fighting for their lives but Stoke are chasing a record high finish at the Britannia on Sunday. It's going to be tense, fraught and possibly furious. Feizal Rahman selects the best bets.
Wigan travel to Stoke on Sunday afternoon, knowing that even a win may not be enough to secure their Premier league status. There are few tougher grounds to visit than the Britannia but the Latics will be targeting a final day fantasy.
However, maximum points will hand Stoke their best Premier League finish and would be fine reward for the ascendant club, perhaps serving as vindication of their often criticized tactics.
Tony Pulis will hand a late fitness test to Matthew Etherington, Jermaine Pennant and Robert Huth - all three missing the midweek league loss to Manchester City through injury. Roberto Martinez, however, has no major injury concerns.
Match Odds
Prior to the FA Cup final, Stoke were in solid form with three wins, three draws and just one defeat from their previous seven league games. At the Britannia, the Potters remain unbeaten in 11 games in all competitions with eight wins.
Out of the current six teams in the danger zone, Wigan have the strongest recent league record with three wins, three draws and two defeats in the last eight - putting them in the top half of the form table, level with their opponents.
In their last six on the road, Wigan have lost three - two by slender margins at Chelsea and Manchester City - but have picked up three points at Blackpool and earned a draw at a resurgent Liverpool.
Four of the five Premier League meetings between these sides have ended in a draw while Wigan have suffered just one loss in their last five trips to the Potteries, winning once and sharing the points on three occasions.
Wigan have failed to record back-to-back wins this season so after last week's dramatic victory over West Ham, it's perhaps a surprise to see them the [2.7] favourites for the win with Stoke a touch larger at [2.8] and the Draw [3.6].
The Latics escaped the drop with a final day win back in 2007 and Roberto Martinez will want his side to recall those memories. But in this instance, it may well be that results elsewhere provide Wigan with all the joy they need.
Over/Under 2.5 Goals
Stoke have scored three or more in five of their last seven home games. Only two sides have denied the Potters a goal at the Britannia this season meaning, in all likelihood, Wigan will have to score at least twice if they are to snatch a victory.
Wigan are the second lowest scorers in the top flight but have netted ten in their last five games. They have, however, failed to score in seven away trips this campaign, although that includes each of their visits to the current top four teams.
The second-from-bottom side have to attack but will undoubtedly leave themselves prone to a counterpunch from the imposing Stoke frontline. Over 2.5 Goals trades at [1.95] although Over 3.5 goals looks likely to tempt at [3.3].
Correct Score
Half of the previous ten meetings between these sides have resulted in a score draw - including the last three Premier League encounters. For those expecting goals, a 2-2 finish is on offer at [17.0] with a saver on 1-1 an option at [8.0].
Stoke have led at the break in three of their last four at home, however, Wigan haven't trailed at half time in any of their last four away games. The Draw/Draw HT/FT result is on offer at [6.0], with the Stoke/Draw option available at [17.0].
First Goalscorer
Between them in 2011, Kenwyne Jones and Jon Walters have opened the scoring six times and they will be around [7.0] and [8.0] respectively to do so again. Meanwhile, Charles N'Zogbia has five in five and is [3.2] To Score at any time.
Top Stat: 5 of the last 10 meetings have ended in a score draw
Best Bet
Back The Draw @ [3.6]
Recommended Bets
Back 1-1 and 2-2 Correct Score @ [8.0] and [17.0]
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