English Premier
2010-05-09 - Chelsea vs Wigan
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:Chelsea knows that a win by any margin will get them the Premiership title here today. Chelsea currently lead Manchester United by one point at the top of the table and although the Red Devils have a winnable game at home to Stoke, the title is all in Chelsea's hands to lose.
A victory against Wigan, who have only pride to play for themselves, would break United's three-year dominance of the Premiership and earn them their first title since Jose Mourinho's success in 2006.
Carlo Ancelotti's boys have been leading the pack for the back end of the campaign although a defeat to Spurs in April plus a late win for United over Manchester City has resulted in a photo-finish on the last day of the season.
United fans were hoping rivals Liverpool could do them a favour when they hosted Chelsea at Anfield last weekend, but a disastrous backpass from Steven Gerrard gifted Didier Drogba the lead before Frank Lampard secured the victory for the Blues.
Wigan will need something special if they are to hold or even beat Chelsea at home, which is very unlikely. However, Blues fans will no doubt remember the reverse fixture at the DW Stadium earlier in the campaign when Roberto Martinez's side pulled off a shock 3-1 win back in September.
The Latics are capable of producing the goods on their day and Martinez side can produce a surprise result which could turn the title to United's favour at the end of the match.
However, Wigan's inconsistency has been a major problem this year and they have also put in a number of poor displays, most notably the 9-1 defeat to Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
As for the team news, Chelsea will be missing Jon Obi Mikel as the Nigerian midfielder underwent surgery on a knee injury in midweek. He is also out for the FA Cup final against Portsmouth later in the month. Michael Essien, Ricardo Carvalho and Jose Bosingwa remain sidelined but Ancelotti has no fresh injuries to worry about.
Didier Drogba is set to continue up front and he goes into the final game neck-and-neck with Wayne Rooney at the top of the league's scoring chart with both players have 26 goals to their name and this final day will determine who is the best striker in the Premiership.
As for the visitors, Wigan will be without on-loan Bolivian striker Marcelo Moreno for the trip to Stamford Bridge. Moreno, who has only just recovered from a hamstring problem, now has an ankle injury and will join Titus Bramble (stress fracture) and Chris Kirkland (hand)on the treatment table.
Charles N'Zogbia returns after an ankle injury, while out-of-contract Paul Scharner will play his last game for the club before leaving on a free transfer. Meanwhile Winger Scott Sinclair is unable to play against his parent club and has already returned to Chelsea.
Take Chelsea to win this match but not to overcome the high handicap here.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Pick :
Chelsea 1-0
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Chelsea to win this match
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Wigan and accept the 2 1/2 ball here. (main bet)
