English Premier
2012-09-15 - Manchester United vs Wigan Athletic
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English Premier League
Saturday 15 September 2012 - Kick Off 3pm
Manchester United
Manchester United had to save themselves from a really awkward position going into the international break as they were trailing 2-1 at Southampton and Robin Van Persie had missed an equalising penalty. Cue thousands have to put away their spam 'joke' emails for another week at the least as Van Persie scored two late goals to earn United the three points and at least keep tabs with the top sides.
It would have been a really tough spot if United had lost their second game of the season already, particularly with Chelsea and Manchester City looking strong, so the comeback was important. That means the team have picked up 6 points from a possible 9 going into the international break and they will be looking to kick on from there.
United beat Fulham 3-2 in their only game at Old Trafford so far this season and that means they have won 9 of their 10 home Premier League games in this calender year, the exception being a draw with Everton. The side remain a potent force going forward in games here, scoring at least 2 goals in 18 of their last 22 home League games and they haven't failed to score here since December 2009.
The good news for United fans is that both Shinji Kagawa and Robin Van Persie are available for selection after suffering knocks while on international duty. Darren Fletcher also returns to the squad, but Ashley Young is a doubt. Wayne Rooney, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling a more long-term injury problems.
Wigan Athletic
Roberto Martinez has his Wigan Athletic side still playing the brand of football that ensured their place in the Premier League last season and they do look more than capable of surviving again in this campaign. They have made a much more positive start to the new season and won't be overawed about playing at Old Trafford.
Wigan are currently 9th in the early Premier League table having picked up 4 points from their opening 3 League games. They have quickly recovered from their 0-2 unfortunate loss to Chelsea on the opening day of the season and have since picked up a 0-2 win at Southampton and a home draw with Stoke City.
My reason for believing Wigan won't be overawed here is their form from the end of last season which saw them beat Liverpool and Arsenal away from home and deserve a lot more than a 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge. Wigan have a 5-1-2 record from their last 8 away games in the Premier League including the win at Southampton this season.
Jean Beausejour and Antolin Alcaraz could both be missing for the game, but James McArthur is in the squad and should be available for selection.
Head to Head
Manchester United had won all 13 Premier League games against Wigan Athletic, but were then stunned when they last met one another towards the end of last season at the DW Stadium.
United have won all 7 home games against Wigan and they have only conceded 1 goal in that run, including a 5-0 win last season.
Prediction
I do think Manchester United will win this game, but I don't know whether they are going to cover the handicaps on offer as there are some concerns with the way they have performed defensively while Wigan Athletic, despite the scorelines, have been far from pushovers in recent visits to Old Trafford.
Wigan play enough possession football to think they will get chances in the game so the issues around the goalkeeper gloves at Old Trafford would concern me when it comes to clearing handicaps, even the - 1.5 handicap.
I think Wigan will cause problems, so instead I am going to back Robin Van Persie to be the first goalscorer in the game.
He has scored the first United goal in the last two matches, although both times the team have been behind at that stage, while he will still be on penalty duties even after that awful effort at St Mary's last time out.
With the Dutchman passed fit by Sir Alex Ferguson, I am assuming he will start and he has a number of ways to get on the scoresheet here so the 4.33 being dangled by Bet365 has enough about it to reel me in.
The Pick :
Manchester United 3-1 Wigan Athletic
