English Premier
2011-01-02 - Wigan Athletic vs Newcastle United
A Sports Betting Pick by ArmchairPunter
Football : England : Premier League
Sunday 2nd January 2011 – Kickoff 4pm
Wigan Athletic, who are dangerously hovering just above the relegation zone with a one point advantage over Fulham & Birmingham City, entertain Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon at their DW Stadium.
Wigan Athletic
However, Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has turned The Latics around since their horrific opening two home matches of the campaign where they conceded ten goals in total, losing 0-4 then 0-6 to Blackpool and Chelsea respectively.
The Latics will now be looking to extend their unbeaten home run to seven matches which has included a string of draws but also vital wins over Wolves 2-0 and West Brom 1-0 which has seen them keep their heads above water thus far.
Their home record stands at a healthier 2-5-3 10/19, and when you consider they were earlier hit for a four and a six, their subsequent performances have a more positive context and a morale-boosting 2-2 draw against Arsenal earlier in the week will no doubt be a welcome boost to their confidence.
As with other sides occupying the lower end of the division, Wigan have found scoring goals at a premium with striker Hugo Rodallega (5 goals, 1 assist) leading the way. Argentinian Mauro Boselli has yet to hit the back of the net in the Premiership but could figure on Sunday as might new recruit Spanish defender Adrian Lopez known as ‘Piscu’ signed to strengthen the Latics defence.
Charles N’Zogbia (3 goals, 2 assists) remains a threat going forward, and whilst their goal tally could be vastly improved, Wigan have scored in each of their last six home fixtures.
Wigan Athletic team news ;
N’Zogbia is suspended and will miss out, while Antolin Alcaraz is doubtful with a thigh injury.
Newcastle United
Following three straight defeats away from home, today’s visitors, Newcastle United, will probably fancy their chances of coming away with something from their visit to Wigan.
Alan Pardew’s men have suffered a string of defeats recently at Bolton Wanderers losing 1-5, West Brom 1-3 and a 0-2 loss at Tottenham.
Despite history indicating that the home side always holds the ascendency (Newcastle haven't won at Wigan in their last five meetings), The Magpies do now possess a dangerous striker of their own in the shape of Andy Carroll (11 goals, 3 assists), along with midfielder Kevin Nolan (8 goals) while Joey Barton (2 goals, 5 assists) heads the assists chart and would certainly be a key asset if he could only remain on the pitch for longer.
Newcastle will be bidding to improve on their inconsistent away form which reads 3-1-5 8/17, but they’ve drawn a blank away from home just twice, while keeping two clean sheets themselves (1-0 wins over Everton and Arsenal).
Newcastle United Team News :
A bit of key team news for Newcastle United though; Andy Carroll is a major concern for Sunday as The Magpies await results of his thigh injury. Skipper Kevin Nolan returns after a one match suspension, while Ben Arfa, Ryan Taylor and Gosling are all out injured.
The Betting Verdict :
I think both sides are similar in terms of strength, while both possessing the ability to score and concede goals in equal measure. I'm therefore backing them both to score with an indicative scoreline of 1-1.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Wigan 1-1 Newcastle
BEST BETTING TIP :
Main Pick : Take Both teams to score @ 1.80 with bet365Suggested Scoreline : Consider a 1-1 exact score bet @ 6.00 with bet365
