Millwall v Wigan: Lions bite no problems for resurgent Latics

"Millwall are 4.67/2 to win the game with The Draw at 3.9n/a, but on current form, ability, and the stats it's impossible to select anything other than a Wigan win."

Back Wigan to beat Millwall @ 1.8810/11

One of the prizes for winning this FA Cup semi-final might not be too appealing, but the other one certainly is and Mike Norman believes Wigan will be the team celebrating...

Millwall v Wigan
Saturday 17:15, live on ESPN

Arguably the worst prize in football awaits the winner of this weekend's first FA Cup semi-final.

No, I'm not talking about a return to Wembley to contest the oldest cup competition in the world against either Chelsea or Manchester City; which is obviously a fantastic reward. I'm talking of course about qualification to the Europa League; in my opinion the worst competition in football.

Everything about the Europa League is wrong; Thursday night football, regular Sunday afternoon domestic football, the format, Champions League clubs entering at a later stage etc. It's awful.

Not that any of this will be entering the minds of anyone - barring the supporters - connected with the Latics or the Lions on Saturday afternoon. Both sets of players will simply be concentrating on trying to reach a major Wembley cup final for the first time in their club's history, and with it the chance to lift some silverware.

Of course, these two clubs have played in major cup finals before, staged at the Millennium Stadium however, and they did contest a Wembley cup final between each other in 1999, Wigan emerging 1-0 victors to lift the Football League Trophy - far from being labelled a major Wembley cup final.

Match Odds

As cup competitions progress it's inevitable that upsets become less likely and Andrew Atherley details here perfectly the task facing Millwall this weekend.

Since the Premier League era began, seven times a club from the top-flight has faced a Championship side in the semi-final of the FA Cup, and the outcome after 90 minutes has been six wins and a draw for the 'bigger' club. On this stat alone Wigan look to hold a great chance of winning the match at odds of 1.8810/11.

Opta also highlight a significant stat counting against the Lions. Millwall have won just one of their last 13 clashes against top-flight opposition in the FA Cup, and that came against a bang out-of-form Aston Villa side earlier this season.

Current form also suggests Wigan hold the advantage. They are fighting for their lives in the Premier League, though three wins and a draw from their last five games has given them a chance to survive. In the middle of that good league run Roberto Martinez's men went to Goodison Park and produced one of the performances of the season to beat Everton 3-0. They'll want to keep the momentum going here.

Kenny Jackett's Millwall lost at home to relegation-threatened Sheffield Wednesday in midweek meaning it's three Championship games without a win, and while this recent form can be attributed to having one eye on this game, it will take a huge performance to get the better of Wigan.

Millwall are 4.67/2 to win the game with The Draw at 3.9n/a, but on current form, ability, and the stats it's impossible to select anything other than a Wigan win.

Over/Under 2.5 Goals

Cup semi-finals/finals tend to be tense affairs with the initial emphasis being on not losing rather than trying to win, and I expect this encounter to be no different.

Millwall will line-up defensively-minded with four at the back, and Liam Trotter - if fit - anchoring the midfield. They'll aim to keep Wigan at bay and it will probably take a while for the Premier League outfit to find their stride and creat some chances.

Under 2.5 Goals is available to back at 1.910/11 and the way I expect the game to go I think that is worth a decent wager with a view to laying off later in the game if it starts to open up. Obviously an early goal will be a negative, but I certainly don't envisage a high-scoring encounter.

First Goalscorer

I fancy a Wigan victory in a low-scoring game, so would much rather have a wager in the First Goalscorer market as opposed to the To Score market as it could be that just one goal settles this tie.

Arouna Kone has been in terrific form of late with six goals in his last seven league and cup games and is a worthy favourite at 6.86/1, but at slightly bigger odds a chance is taken on Jordi Gomez (8.88/1). The Spaniard has started all five of Wigan's FA Cup games this season, scoring three goals, and looked really impressive against Everton in the last round.

Recommended Bets

Back Wigan to beat Millwall @ 1.8810/11
Back Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.910/11

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QPR V Wigan: Sunday six-pointer for these relegation candidates

"A bet on Both Teams To Score would've paid out in five of QPR's last half a dozen outings, and five of Wigan's last seven Premier League away games."

Jonno Turner previews the action down at Loftus Road, as both of these sides aim to improve their chances of Premier League survival with a win in this Sunday afternoon kick off...

We're off to West London to check out the best bets as QPR host Wigan Athletic - in what is a huge clash for both sides.

As far as relegation six-pointers go, they don't come much bigger than this - with the hosts looking increasingly likely to be kicking off next season in the second tier.

Harry Redknapp's side have suffered unforgivable defeats at the hands of Aston Villa and Fulham in their last two games, and are now a whopping seven points from safety with just seven left to play.

The home side will be without winger Shaun Wright-Phillips, who has undergone ankle surgery this week, but other than that it appears that 'Arry has a full complement to choose from.

Todays opponents Wigan Athletic are the side that Redknapp's charges will need to catch - which suggests that anything other than a win here will all but condemn the R's to the drop.

The Latics travel south full of confidence having won five of their last six, and, incredibly, it appears that Roberto Martinez is likely to engineer another miraculous last-ditch survival.

A 1-0 win at home to Norwich last week was a huge result for the DW Stadium side, and, with an extra game to play compared to many of their rivals down the bottom, todays visitors will be desperate to leave Loftus Road with a positive result.

And the away boss will be boosted by the fitness of Callum McManaman, who was withdrawn at half time last weekend due to an ankle injury, but has been passed to play against QPR.

Over 2.5 goals

With both sides desperate for the points in this clash, I have a hunch that we'll see goals - and Over 2.5 goals is available at 1.875/6.

A flutter on that market would have paid out in five of QPR's last six outings, and with 11 goals notched in their last five games, it is clear that it is not a lack of quality in the final third which has been the home side's achilles heel of late.

'Arry is not the most cautious of managers at the best of times, but with this game being a case of 'do or die', I think we will see the R's come flying out of the traps on their own patch.

And though results have not been satisfactory in the last couple of games, Rangers have mustered a whopping 21 shots on goal, which suggests that they are capable of carving out chances.

A look at the visitors' recent results shows that the Latics faithful have also been getting their moneys worth of late.

Backing Over 2.5 goals would have sent you home with a smile on your face in eight of their last nine games, and that is also testament to the open nature of how Martinez likes his side to line up - especially at the DW Stadium.

Both Teams To Score

With an end to end clash in the pipeline, I reckon that, though short, the BTTS market is well worth a look pre-match.

It's no secret that QPR harbour some real quality in their squad - but even so, they are always likely to ship a goal or two, as shown in recent weeks.

Christopher Samba came in for a lot of stick last week following a disastrous performance against Fulham, and he will be looking to make amends in this clash, but I still think that the visitors have the attacking threat to put their hosts on the back foot.

A bet on this market would've paid out in five of QPR's last half a dozen outings, and five of Wigan's last seven Premier League away games.

The Latics have not been involved in a goalless draw since February 2012, and that is a telling statistic, especially as QPR have shipped a massive 14 goals in six outings of late.

It is 1.674/6 for these sides to notch at least one each, and that's well worth a back.

Wigan DRAW NO BET

QPR go into this game priced as favourites - and with just two wins from their last 10 outings, and one win from nine at Loftus Road, I am struggling to see the value in backing that.

Yes - Redknapp's side desperately need to take maximum points from this clash, but Wigan are not a side you'd want to play at this stage in the season, and with forward Arouna Koné in impressive form having notched his 10th goal of the season against Norwich, the Latics are always likely to pose a threat.

Wigan are a tempting 3.259/4 to take maximum points from this clash, and I think that there is real value in that bet - but for the more cautious amongst us, the 2.265/4 on Wigan DRAW NO BET, with added insurance should the game end in a stalemate, could tick a box.

Recommended Bets

Over 2.5 goals @ 1.875/6
Both Teams To Score @ 1.674/6
Wigan DRAW NO BET @ 2.285/4

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Everton v Wigan: A tighter game than league positions suggest

"Wigan failed to find the net against Liverpool last weekend, but the Reds were the first team to keep a clean sheet against them in ten matches."

It's an all Premier League FA Cup clash between Everton and Wigan Athletic. Dan Fitch is expecting a tight game and goals from both sides...

Everton v Wigan
Saturday, KO 12:45, Live on ITV 1

Wigan take a break from their relegation worries, as they attempt to reach the semi-final stage of the FA Cup for the first time in their history.

They face an Everton side that are more familiar with the business end of the competition, yet are still looking to land David Moyes with the first trophy of his reign.

Having been drawn at home, Everton are heavy favourites as you'd expect. The Toffees are 1.4640/85, with the draw at 4.94/1 and Wigan at 8.415/2.

If there's little value in the home win, there might be some to be found in the draw. The Opta stats reveal that along with Stoke, Everton have drawn more Premier League games than any other club this season (12). A whopping six of those draws have come at home.

Meanwhile, Wigan are a better side away than they are at home. The Latics have gained ten points at home, compared to 14 on the road, which has included four wins.

The two games between the sides this season have been relatively tight. In the more recent game at Goodison Park, it took until the second half for Everton to establish a lead, before eventually running out as 2-1 winners.

In the reverse fixture, Wigan twice took the lead, only for Everton to peg them back on both occasions and force the 2-2 draw. 

There's definitely value in backing the draw, from a trading perspective at least, but a safer bet can probably be found in the goals markets. I like the look of the 1.8810/11 for both teams to score. Wigan failed to find the net against Liverpool last weekend, but the Reds were the first team to keep a clean sheet against them in ten matches.

Over 2.5 goals can be backed at 1.728/11, with unders at 2.3611/8. I think that overs is a fairly safe bet, but as the price is a little skinny, we'll stick to backing both teams to score. Everton will be without the injured Phil Jagielka and they simply don't have the squad to replace such a key figure with a player of similar quality.

That could make Wigan's Arouna Kone a decent bet in the goalscorer markets. The Ivorian has scored in both of the games against Everton this season and has scored four goals in his last three games for Wigan.

Kone is currently priced at 4.57/2 to score at any time and 12.5n/a to score the first goal. Those prices should get a bit higher come closer to kick-off and look decent value.

This is the first time that either side has faced a Premier League opponent in this season's FA Cup. Ultimately I expect Everton to progress, but it will be no cakewalk. David Moyes' side are 5.95/1 to win the cup, with Wigan at a distant 42.041/1.

Recommended Bets

Back Both teams to Score @ 1.8810/11
Back Arouna Kone To Score @ 4.57/2 or higher

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Wigan v Chelsea: Blues can edge tight match

Recommended Bets
Back Under 1.5 Goals @ 3.9n/a
Back 0-1 Correct Score @ 8.415/2
Back Half Time Draw @ 2.47/5
Back 9pts or Above Bookings Odds @ 2.021/1

Wigan entertain Chelsea at home this Sunday lunchtime with both teams looking to begin the season as they ended the last. The Latics will be hopeful of avoiding yet another relegation battle while the Blues appear set up to challenge for the title, writes Feizal Rahman.

Wigan Athletic v Chelsea, KO: Sunday 13:30, Sky Sports 1,
Match Odds: Wigan 6.411/2, Chelsea 1.664/6, The Draw 4.03/1

Despite winning the FA Cup and Champions League, Chelsea have spent heavily over the summer to address what was a disappointing Premier League campaign last year - lavishing in excess of £60m on Eden Hazard, Oscar and Marko Marin.

Wigan have lost forward Hugo Rodellega and midfielder Mohamed Diame but were able to add Arouna Kone and Ryo Miyaichi (loan). Yet, perhaps their most important piece of business was keeping hold of manager, Roberto Martinez.

Victor Moses is in the Latics' squad despite being the subject of interest from the Blues over the summer. Two of Chelsea's new boys, Hazard and Oscar, are set to make their league debuts, though Marin is sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Match Odds
Since gaining promotion to the Premier League, Wigan have won only two of their opening home games of the season and have twice lost to Chelsea in those. The Blues, conversely, have won eight of their last 10 openers on the road.

Chelsea have traditionally found the DW Stadium a happy hunting ground with five wins from seven visits. However, the Latics' sole victory against the West Londoners did come at home with a 3-1 victory against 10 men back in 2009.

Opta note that Wigan won their final four fixtures at home last season, a run that helped ensure their top flight survival. In contrast, Chelsea took maximum points in only one of their last nine away trips, losing four of those.

This fixture hints at being a typically tight first game of the season with both sides looking to blow away the cobwebs. However, Chelsea should have enough class to sneak the win at 1.664/6 and are around 2.26/5 to do so with a -1.0 Asian handicap.

Over/Under 2.5 Goals

Chelsea were far from prolific on the road last term, firing blanks in four of their last nine games in the league and failing to score more than once in all but one of those. Wigan, meanwhile, conceded just five from their final seven at home.

The visitors have twice won by a single goal at the DW Stadium and with their superior defence can be taken to repeat a 0-1 Correct Score at 8.415/2. Under 2.5 Goals trades at 1.981/1 but under 1.5 Goals may have greater appeal at 3.9n/a.

Other Markets

The Blues parted company with their talismanic striker, Didier Drogba, following the Champions League win and the goalscoring burden will now fall heavily on Fernando Torres, who has admitted he wasn't in the right frame of mind last season.

The Spaniard has, however, shown signs of a renaissance over the summer with goals in the European Championships and the Community Shield last weekend. He can be backed at 5.04/1 to be First Goalscorer and 2.26/5 To Score at any time.

In the 12 away games since Chelsea's last visit to Wigan, Roberto Di Matteo's side have led at half time just twice. Wigan, meanwhile, have trailed at the break on two occasions in their last eight home fixtures. The half-time draw is available at 2.47/5.

These were two of the most ill-disciplined teams last term with 114 cautions between them. Opta also highlight that Wigan committed the most fouls of any team, so 9pts and Above in the Bookings Odds at 2.021/1 may reward.

Recommended Bets
Back Under 1.5 Goals @ 3.9n/a
Back 0-1 Correct Score @ 8.415/2
Back Half Time Draw @ 2.47/5
Back 9pts or Above Bookings Odds @ 2.021/1

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Opta Stats: Wigan v Stoke

Opta / Richard / 29 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

Gary Caldwell's goal secured Wigan all three points at Liverpool last week

Wigan go in search of successive victories after their remarkable win at Anfield...

Five of the seven Premier League meetings between Wigan and Stoke have ended as draws. Match odds

Only one of the last 10 league meetings between Wigan and Stoke has ended as a home win. Match odds

Wigan have lost just one of their last seven Premier League matches (W2 D4 L1). Match odds

However, the Latics have struggled on their own patch, winning none of their last 13 matches at the DW Stadium (W0 D6 L7). Match odds

Stoke have lost just one of their last five Premier League games (W2 D2 L1). Match odds

The Potters have won just one of their last seven Premier League games on the road (W1 D2 L4). Match odds

Stoke have scored the highest percentage of goals from set plays in the top flight (59%) this season.

Only Norwich (37%) have scored a higher percentage of headed goals than Stoke (34%).

Wigan have scored a higher percentage of goals from outside the penalty area than any other team in the top flight (30%).

Wigan have scored the joint-fewest headed goals in the Premier League this season (2).

19% of the goals Wigan have scored have come from penalties, while 17% of the goals Stoke have shipped have come from the spot; both divisional highs. Penalty taken?

Blackburn might have won at Old Trafford earlier in the campaign but they won't repeat the feat this time round......

Tottenham are in desperate need of three points if they are to hold on to fourth spot......

Liverpool head to Tyneside on the back of desperate defeats to QPR and latterly Wigan......

Time is running out for rock-bottom Wolves and a win against fellow strugglers Bolton is an absolute must......

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Lee Dixon: Grant to Holt any Wigan revival

Premier League / Lee Dixon / 10 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

Grant Holt leaves defenders battered and bruised but also scores plenty of goals

"A Norwich win is just about the weekend banker (Manchester United at home to West Brom would be the other) and that’s not something you’d often say when talking about the Premier League weekend fixture list."

Of all the matches in the Premier League this weekend, this is as close to a home banker as you might get. Wigan are in deep trouble whereas Norwich keep on showing they can more than compete at this level and have a proven goalscorer in Grant Holt, says Lee Dixon.

Match Odds

I suspect that if you asked any neutral which of the teams battling to fight relegation they'd most like to see avoid the drop, the most popular answer would be Wigan. Myself included.

I've met Roberto Martinez several times when he's been a guest on the Match Of The Day 2 sofa. He's one of the nicest blokes you'll ever meet in football and we speak a similar language when it comes to the way we see the game. He's tried really hard to get his side to play a good brand of football, keeping the ball on the deck and approaching the game in the right way. The problem this season is that he quite simply doesn't have the resources to execute that philosophy. He's had little or no money to spend of his own and was powerless to prevent his most creative player last year - Charles N'Zogbia - from leaving when a big offer came in.

This may well be the season that it's all too much for them. They've done incredibly well to remain in this league as long as they have without getting themselves into financial difficulties. If they do go down - and given that they're [1.28] for the drop the writing appears to be on the wall for them - they'll at least be in a far better position than they were when they came up all those years ago.

I've praised Norwich before for playing the game in the right way themselves. And though Opta tell us that they're not on a great run at home at the moment with just one win in their last five, this is arguably the easiest game they'll have to improve on that record.

A Norwich win is just about the weekend banker (Manchester United at home to West Brom would be the other) and that's not something you'd often say when talking about the Premier League weekend fixture list. But that's how I see it and in addition to the [1.91] about that, it may also be worth pushing the boat out a little more and backing them to win to nil at [3.4].

To Score

No prizes for originality here but Grant Holt is the man to be with. Not only is the skipper the team's top scorer with 10 but he's also in form, with three in his last three. He's a handful at the best of times and Wigan aren't the sort of side who will enjoy 90 minutes of hustling, bustling, nudging, holding and whatever else. He's a very decent player and has done extremely well to score as many goals as he has in his first season but Opta tell us he's also committed more fouls than any other player in the league this season. But let's focus on his goals. He's around [2.4] to score.

Corners odds

Slightly left of centre, this last one, but I fancy plenty of corners in this game. Norwich like to get the ball out wide and with the aforementioned Holt always an aerial threat, they're always happy to settle for a corner. Jean Beausejour added some extra width to Wigan's attack when he arrived in January and 13 or more corners at around [2.7] is worth a small interest.

3 pts Back Norwich to beat Wigan @ [1.9]
1 pt Back Norwich to win to nil @ [3.4]
2 pts back Grant Holt to score @ [2.4]
1 pt Back 13 corners or more @ [2.7]

Everton narrowly beat Tottenham at Goodison Park to blow the race to finish in the top four wide open......

Rovers and Wanderers pick up three vital points each against relegation rivals as Wolves look sunk and Hughes seethes. Meanwhile, O'Neill outfoxes Dalglish and Drogba earns three points for Chelsea......

Tottenham's run of two straight defeats in the league has been talked about as a mini-crisis and though a trip to Goodison Park is never easy, Harry Redknapp's men are good for at least a point. Emmanuel Adebayor will be...

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Gareth's Good Thing: Why Aston Villa won't lose at Wigan

Premier League / Gareth Purnell / 24 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Roberto Martinez could have been Aston Villa manager in the summer

"Roberto Martinez is a man with a great managerial future ahead of him but his team looks in real trouble again and perhaps he should have moved to Villa in the summer."

Gareth Purnell is normally against Aston Villa, but on Saturday he is fully behind them and expects them to get at least a point against Wigan. Here, he tells us why...

Wigan v Aston Villa, Kick-off: Saturday, 15:00, Match Odds: Wigan [2.86], Aston Villa [2.72], The Draw [3.4]

Aston Villa have been one of my 'go to' teams to lay this season. They have been particularly poor at home and apart from a surprise 3-1 win at (a let's face it) pretty shambolic Chelsea, they have struggled to beat anyone above them in the league either home or away.

So it's perhaps a little surprising that I want to get the right side of them this weekend. Bear with me, because there is some method to my apparent madness.

For a start, the Midlanders' home record contrasts with their away form, which is actually pretty good. Villa have only actually lost three games away from Villa Park all season, at Spurs, Manchester City and Newcastle. Alex Mcleish's charges have admittedly drawn a lot of away games, but that's fine - a draw is a winner for us.

And closer inspection reveals that when Villa have taken on teams flirting with relegation, they have generally come away with something. In fact four of their six wins have come against Bolton, Blackburn, Wolves and Saturday's opponents Wigan Athletic... in other words the bottom four.

Villa have also showed some improved cutting edge since the turn of the year. Some of that has undoubtedly been down to Robbie Keane, who has now gone back to the States, adding a touch of quality to the forward play. But it also coincided with the return to fitness and form of key striker Darren Bent, and of Marc Albrighton, who has great delivery from out wide.

Bent and Albrighton should be partnered on Saturday by Gabi Agbonlahor. He's hardly a man to put your mortgage on, but what he has got is great pace, which perfectly suits Villa's counter attacking style away for home, and he has a good record against Wigan.

And what of the Latics? I've said before what an admirer of manager Roberto Martinez I am. I love the way he sets his teams up to play what I call proper football. Martinez is a man with a great managerial future ahead of him but his team looks in real trouble again and perhaps he should have moved to Villa in the summer - I think that would have been good for both parties.

The problem is that he doesn't really have the squad to play the type of football he likes, and they always look like conceding to me. In fact they have only kept one clean sheet in their last 22 matches at this level. And he has to be mighty worried about his team's home form. Wigan have not won any of their last ten matches at the DW Stadium and that is relegation form.

Villa have lost only one of their last seven Premier League games against Wigan and only one of their last six away this season. Clearly their style is more suited to soaking up pressure and breaking with speed, than having to force the pace themselves.

At the price and given all of the above, I make Wigan a solid lay at under 2-1 in the Match Odds market.

Recommended Bet: Lay Wigan at [2.9]

Wolves have met their deadline to hire a new manager before Saturday's trip to Newcastle, but the appointment has done little to calm relegation fears......

A case could be made for all three outcomes in this match so the draw is the call at an attractive price. One thing is for sure: there will be no shortage of goals, says Lee Dixon....

High-flying Manchester City play hosts to a struggling Blackburn side and it's extremely unlikely that we're going to have an upset on the cards here. Expect a City win and plenty of goals, says Lee Dixon....

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Opta Stats: Wigan v Everton

Opta / Michael Lintorn / 02 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Everton's star January signing Nikica Jelavic may debut at Wigan

Everton's second half prowess could be in evidence once again at the DW Stadium, given their tendency to come from behind against Wigan...

Wigan scored from their only shot on target against Everton at Goodison Park earlier this season.

Everton have won just one of their last five Premier League away games (W1 D2 L2).

The Latics have won none of their last nine Premier League home games (W0 D3 L6).

The last three times Wigan have taken the lead against Everton, the Toffees have come back to earn seven points with two wins and a draw.

Wigan have only won one of their six home Premier League games against Everton (W1 D2 L3).

Wigan have conceded the joint-most penalties in the Premier League this season (8) and Steven Caldwell the most of any player (4).

Three of the four penalties Gary Caldwell has conceded this season have been saved by Ali Al-Habsi.

Everton have only scored eight goals in their last 11 Premier League games and never more than once in a game in that run.

74% of the goals Everton have scored have been netted in the second half, the highest proportion in the top flight.

Wigan have scored fewer headed goals than any other team in the Premier League (1).

Liverpool have hit form recently and are even able to welcome Luis Suarez back on Monday night - will they halt Tottenham's title bid?...

Chelsea's home record hasn't been great this season, however after tripping up leaders Manchester City in December, they will be hopeful of causing Manchester United trouble......

Aston Villa were humiliated on their last visit to Tyneside, but will have an opportunity to claim revenge in front of the cameras on Sunday lunchtime......

Fulham have been a bit of a bogey team for Manchester City in recent seasons - will they be the ones to end the Premier League leaders' perfect home record?...

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Opta Stats: Wigan v Bolton

Opta / Michael Lintorn / 12 October 2011 / Leave a Comment

Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi will meet his former club for the first time

Wigan and Bolton are both of uncharacteristically long losing streaks. Here's what Opta make of their attempts to turn things around at the DW Stadium this weekend...

Bolton Wanderers have allowed their opponents more shots on target against them than any other team in the Premier League (49).

78% of the goals Bolton have scored so far have been netted in the second half, the highest proportion in the Premier League.

Bolton are on a run of six straight league defeats, their joint-poorest run ever in the Premier League.

Owen Coyle's men have also lost their last six at home in the league, becoming only the fifth side to do this in the Premier League.

Wigan have lost four Premier League games in a row for the first time since October 2008.

Four of the last five Premier League games between Wigan and Bolton have ended as draws.

There have been just three goals scored in the last four meetings between Wigan and Bolton at the DW Stadium.

Wigan have scored just 10 goals across the 12 Premier League meetings with the Trotters.

Bolton have conceded more goals than any other team in any season after seven games in Premier League history.

Bolton have lost 11 of their last 12 Premier League matches, winning the other.

Newcastle's stingy defence meets Tottenham's prolific attack on Sunday. Here's Opta's take on how that battle will unfold......

The Opta trends indicate that Arsenal will begin climbing the table with three points against Sunderland on Sunday, but don't expect a big scoreline......

The first few minutes could prove decisive in Sunday's grudge match at The Hawthorns, with the Baggies frequently flying out of the blocks of late......

Everton have a fine recent record against Chelsea, who have been uncharacteristically leaky at the back. Could there be a shock at Stamford Bridge?...

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Premier League Betting: Stoke City v Wigan

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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Rugby League Betting: Wigan can restore English pride

Rugby League / Stuart Jones / 24 February 2011 / Leave a Comment

Will Warriors fans be celebrating on Sunday?

"Desire will be the telling factor between the sides on Sunday and I'm surprised to see Wigan odds against."

Stuart Jones believes the markets have got it wrong for the World Club Challenge and expects Wigan to become the first English side to win the match for three years. Meanwhile, Saints aim to maintain their impressive start...

English sides have enjoyed the lion's share of success in the World Club Challenge since it was reintroduced in 2000, but the tide has begun to turn in recent years with Manly and Melbourne Storm ensuring the trophy has stayed Down Under for the last two seasons. This year's showdown is between Wigan and St George Illawarra Dragons and takes place at the former's DW stadium at 19:15 on Sunday.

It's obviously hard to prove, but it does seem to be the case that this competition is held in much higher regard in this country than it is by the Australians. The fact that Dragons coach Wayne Bennett was threatening not even to bother sending a team across due to a dispute over when the game was to be played adds some weight to that argument.

Wigan's reply to what they would have seen to be a disappointing draw with St Helens on the opening weekend was to travel across the Pennines and dish out a 44-10 thumping to Bradford at Odsal. Amos Roberts scored a brace of tries on his belated return to action and, touch wood, Michael Maguire should be able to name the same side at the DW stadium this weekend.

Unlike last year's winner Melbourne Storm, the Dragons have chosen not to play a warm-up game in England, deciding that a 28-14 win over Canterbury Bulldogs in the Mercury Challenge little over a week ago was sufficient to get them up to speed for Sunday's game. However, St George's preparations off the field haven't gone smoothly and they will have to overcome the absence of Wayne Bennett if they are to prove successful after their head coach was forced to return to Australia for family reasons earlier in the week.

I suspect that desire will be the telling factor between the sides on Sunday and, with an interrupted build-up far from ideal when going up against a side that will be as pumped up as the Warriors, I was surprised to see Wigan odds against in the outright market.

The first live game of the weekend comes from the Stobart Stadium on Friday evening and St Helens can continue their impressive start to season with victory over Warrington.

Saints fought back from 16-0 down to earn a deserved point against Wigan at the Millennium Magic weekend in round one and confirmed that promise with a very easy 56-22 win away at Salford, a couple of late scores arguably flattering the home side at the finish.

Whilst Royce Simmons is expected to be able to name James Graham and Paul Wellens in his side after missing out last Friday, Tony Smith will have to go with a similar line-up to one that scraped home against Hull KR, with centres Matt King and Chris Bridge both out for the foreseeable future.

With the exception of Lee Briers in the stand-off position, I can't see any area where Warrington have the edge and therefore will be siding with the home side to cover a handicap of four points.

Recommended bets:
Back Wigan to beat the St George Illawarra Dragons @ 2.08 in the outright market
Back St Helens -4.5 pts at 1.91 against the Warrington Wolves

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Premier League Betting: West Brom v Wigan

Premier League / Jaymes Monte / 31 January 2011 / Leave a Comment

Hugo Rodallega is hoping to strike up a relationship with Victor Moses.

"If Roberto Di Matteo’s side concede two goals in this game then they will become the first club since Bradford City to concede two or more goals in eight consecutive Premier League matches."

Jaymes Monte previews a relegation six-pointer that could be pivotal to each club's Premier League status come the end of the season...

West Brom will be hoping that the loan signing of Carlos Vela can stave off fears of relegation after an alarming nosedive down the Premier League table. The 21-year-old has failed to develop in the manner that many thought likely after impressing for Arsenal in rare Carling Cup appearances over the past two years, but will be hopeful that an extended run of first team football can reignite his career.

At the time of writing it doesn't appear that Wigan will be adding any new talent to their squad, a decision that could prove fatal in their quest for Premier League survival.

Roberto Martinez will be without Antolin Alcaraz and Tom Cleverley due to injury while Ali Al Habsi will return between the sticks. Graham Dorrans is a doubt for The Baggies but Marc-Antonie Fortune and Steven Reid could return.

Match Odds
An inspired half-time substitution by Martinez saw Victor Moses claim all three points in a 1-0 win for Wigan at the DW Stadium when the sides met earlier this season.

A repeat result would see The Latics climb out of the relegation zone and level on points with their opponents.

With both sides recording just one win in their last seven league games you'll be hard pushed to find anyone offering too much confidence in either team's ability to pick up three points this Tuesday. At least that is what I thought before looking at Betfair's match odds market for this game.

The [1.75] on a West Brom win here looks to be ludicrously short and I expected to see a lot more parity in the prices. Siding with a Wigan win at odds of [5.5] may be pushing the boat out too far but a lay of the home side at odds on price is a must.

Over/Under 2.5 goals
If Roberto Di Matteo's side concede two goals in this game then they will become the first club since Bradford City to concede two or more goals in eight consecutive Premier League matches.

They also have the joint-worst defensive record - 43 goals conceded - in the top flight and have gone 21 matches without keeping a clean sheet. To say that The Baggies have defensive problems would be something of an understatement.

Throw into the mix the fact that the two sides have never produced a goalless draw in their 15 meetings and the powers that be at Sky Sports will be confident of getting a few goals to deflect attentions from other matters. Over 2.5 goals can be backed at a generous [1.9].

Half Time
If football games were only 45 minutes long - a Twenty20 form of football if you like, or Twenty-two-and-a-half to be more precise, I digress... - then both West Brom and Wigan would still be in the relegation zone.

Between them they have lead in just five of their 47 collective games, an incredibly low 10.6% of games played, as oppose to 48.9% of games which they have gone in at the break level.

That makes the draw at [2.34] in the Half Time market a particularly appealing price, especially for those looking for a starting point to trade In-Play.

To Score
Had it not been for the goals of each club's star striker then it would be fair to say that relegation would be a mere formality at this point for either club.

Hugo Rodallega has six of Wigan's 20 Premier League goals this season while Peter Odemwingie has eight of West Brom's 29. The addition of Vela should ease some of the pressure on Odemwingie and The Latics will be hoping that Moses' return from injury will have the same effect on Rodallega.

As we're expecting plenty of goals it would be logical to back the strikers in this market, so take your pick from the following. Odemiwngie can be backed at [2.5], Vela is [2.9] to score on debut, Moses is a [5.5] shot and Rodallega is [3.0] to get the goal that would see him equal Henri Camara's club record.

Best Bet:
Lay West Brom @ [1.75]

Recommended Bets:
Back Over 2.5 goals @ [1.9]
Back Half Time draw @ [2.34]

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