English Premier
2011-12-21 - Wigan Athletic vs Liverpool
A Sports Betting Pick by Lamps
Football : England : Premiership
Wednesday 21st December - Kickoff 8:00pm
Wigan Athletic
Martinez's Wigan secured a huge point against Chelsea at the weekend to move them up to 13 points and more importantly 1 point off safety. This Wednesday they face another top 6 side in Liverpool at the DW. If they can take any points here they will be very happy with their week's work but I think it's going to be a really tough game for the Latics.
After 8 straight defeats earlier in the season, Wigan are turning things around currently on a run of 1 defeat in their last 5. They only have 2 wins in that period both on the road but 8 points from a possible 15 is a decent return for a side fighting relegation.
The home form is poor, ranking 19th in the league with just 1 win to their name in 8 attempts. That win came against QPR (2-0) back in August and since then Martinez's side has lost 4 and drawn twice.
The losses have been quite emphatic to Spurs (1-2), Bolton (1-3), Fulham (0-2) and Arsenal (0-4). I include the Spurs game because Spurs could have 3 or 4 up but missed soo many chances then had a nervous last 20 as Wigan looked for an equaliser.
Liverpool will be a tough test and against the better sides in the league Wigan has drawn to Chelsea but lost to Arsenal, City, Spurs and Newcastle. The aggregate score against these sides is 2-11 against Wigan. I personally feel that had Wigan not scored so late against Chelsea that they would most likely have conceded and lost the game but scoring in the 89th minute is a perfect time to score.
Wigan Team News
Boyce, Kirkland and McManaman miss out for Atletic but it's basically the same side that did so well against Chelsea to face Liverpool.
Gomez and Moses start either side of Sammon in a 4-3-3 that has a midfield trio of Diame, McCarthey and Jones.
The back 4 isn't the best but they did well against Chelsea at the weekend with Caldwell and Alcaraz sure to be kept busy by Suarez all night.
Liverpool
The Reds remain in 6th despite their 2-0 comprehensive win at Villa Park on Sunday. Dalglish's side trail 4th place by 3 points and really must win at the likes of Wigan to ensure they finish in a Champions League place come May.
Liverpool won their second game in succession at the weekend but they have yet to win 3 wins in a row all season. Against Wigan a side right at the bottom of the table they won't get a better chance to break that stat.
Pool have a very good away record currently ranking 4th in the league with 5 wins from 8 played. They have yet to draw with 3 losses and their open style of play should lead to a winner in this Wednesday's game.
Wins at Arsenal (0-2), Everton (0-2), WBA (0-2), Chelsea (1-2) and Villa (0-2) have been very convincing. I think the side is playing some good football on the road and will create plenty of chances against an open Wigan side. The defence is also looking sharper with just 13 goals conceded in 16 this year with just 3 conceded in their last 7.
Liverpool Team News
Doni, Gerrard, Lucas, Robinson and Spearing miss out for the Reds but the side is likely to be unchanged from Sunday's game.
Suarez will start up top, supported by Shelvey, Kuyt, Bellamy, Adam and Henderson in midfield. I think Downing will be dropped for Kuyt in this one but overall it's a very strong midfield.
At the back Reina starts in goal and the back 4 picks itself at the moment with Carragher remaining on the bench.
The Betting Verdict
Liverpool have failed to win on their last 3 visits to the DW drawing 2 and losing 1. In 5 of the last 6 encounters the Reds have scored and I feel they are likely to get at least one this time round.
Wigan has struggled against the top sides in this division and Saturday's draw with Chelsea when going a goal behind was a big shock. Credit must go to Martinez but I don't think his side can play so soon after a tough game against a better opponent and take points in back to back games.
The away price is too low for me to back so instead I'll play the Reds on the Asian Market. In Liverpool's last 5 away wins 4 have been by 2 goals and i fancy them to do so again this week. I think they have too much class for the Latics and after Chelsea blew it against them I don't see Liverpool doing the same. Liverpool -0.75 is the play with a full payout if they win by 2 seems the best option in this one for me. Away Win.
Good Luck
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Wigan 0-2 Liverpool
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Liverpool -0.75 AH at 1.725 at PinnacleSports
