English Premier
2009-02-28 - Chelsea vs Wigan Athletic
A Sports Betting Pick by Gooner
Football: England, Premier League
Saturday, 28th February 2009 - Kickoff 15:00
Chelsea (3rd - Home Rec : 6-5-2 21:7)
Chelsea's league record in the last three months of 5-5-3 reflects the slipping fortunes at Stamford Bridge, age is creeping up on Chelsea and while a new manager can re-inspire players in the short term there is little doubt that money needs to be spent in the lose season.
I was not impressed with the style of play in Chelsea's 1-0 midweek win over Juventus, although you do have to respect a side that's keeping clean sheets and winning ugly.
Chelsea Team News :
Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho remains sidelined with a hamstring problem and Deco is doubtful with a similar injury.
Michael Essien is not yet ready to return following a knee injury.
Wigan (7th - Away Rec : 3-4-6 13:13)
Wigan are challenging Arsenal for the title of draw kings - with four draws in a row - and the last three all by the same 0-0 scoreline.
Still two of those draws were good results 1-1 H v Liverpool, and 0-0 A v Aston Villa, so there are good reasons why Wigan are positioned nicely in 7th place.
Wigan Athletic Team News :
It seems as if Steve Bruce is starting to "target" winable games, as Bruce has said that he is unlikely to risk either Mido and Antonio Valencia in this game, saving them for West Ham and Sunderland.
Wigan midfielders Daniel de Ridder and Jason Koumas are both doubts after picking up thigh problems in training on Thursday and midfielder Ben Watson is suspended.
The Betting Verdict
The big thing to note here is Wigan's absolutely stiffling defence, and the still questionable effectiveness of the Chelsea attack. Anelka runs hot and cold.
Yes, Guus Hiddink is in charge, and Chelsea have eeked out a couple of 1-0 wins without looking dominant, but that doesn't mean I want a bar of that low 3/10 price on a home win.
This is a matchup between 3rd and 7th in the table, and that draw price just looks too big to me.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Chelsea 1-0 Wigan (or 0-0 draw)
