English Premier
2011-08-13 - Wigan Athletic vs Norwich City
A Sports Betting Pick by Addicted
Football : English Premier League
Saturday, August 13th, 2011, 3:00PM GMT
WIGAN ATHLETIC
Wigan barely hung on to their Premier League status on the last day of the season and now open this campaign at home against new boys Norwich. I have a feel it's not going to be an easy afternoon.
Charles N'Zogbia has been sold to Aston Villa, leaving Rodallega as the only chap on the pitch that could possibly drag his team to results. At least, thats what I think. This is a side that struggles every year. Last year, Wigan scored the 2nd least goals in the Premier League, and have actually failed to score in their first game of the last 2 seasons, losing each time. Last year, Blackpool were not expected to do much, yet they came to Wigan and scored a bunch and won. Norwich will pose the same threat.
Like I said, Wigan scoring just 40 goals last season is a worry, and they don't seem to have strengthened enough to make up for the loss of N'Zogbia. If they score twice, I'll be amazed.
NORWICH CITY
The Canaries have returned to the top flight after 6 years. They did so in style too, winning automatic promotion with a few games to spare. What impressed me is their hung-ho approach to throw everything at their opponents, much like Blackpool last year. The result was that no team scored as many goals in the Championship as Norwich City.
Grant Holt is a player to keep an eye on this season and I reckon when Norwich do take the lead, it will be him that scores. You can get some great odds on him opening the scoring but I feel a punt on him to net in 90 minutes will surely pay off.
I can see Norwich attacking Wigan from the get go, much like Blackpool did last year. It's the way they play and it's worked for them last year so the tactics should remain the same. Of course, there is a good chance this could leave them open to attack by Wigan but like I said, Wigan just aren't good enough to score a bunch or capitalise on the chances they are given.
BETTING VERDICT
Lots of umming and ahhing but I reckon in the end I am expecting the see Norwich get something from this game. I would not put anyone off a punt on Norwich to bag the 3 points away from home but will suggest the safer option of the visitors with a start on the AH.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Norwich to avoid defeat
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Norwich City +0.25AH @ 2.08 (Bet365)
