English Premier
2012-09-22 - Wigan Athletic vs Fulham
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English Premier League
Saturday 22 September 2012 - Kick Off 3pm
Wigan Athletic
Roberto Martinez wasn't happy with the refereeing at Old Trafford last week as his Wigan Athletic side took their usual hammering from Manchester United, but that has probably been the worst result they have suffered for a few months in the Premier League. They have picked up from where they left off at the end of last season as Wigan look to avoid any stressful relegation battle this year.
The loss to United dropped Wigan to 14th in the Premier League, but picking up 4 points from the opening 12 available isn't a bad return considering they have played Chelsea and United already. The team are 0-1-1 at home this season, scoring 2 goals and conceding 4.
Wigan had been unbeaten in 3 games in all competitions before the loss last week and they had progressed through to the Capital One Cup third round in that time. They have lost just 1 of their last 7 games at the DW Stadium in the Premier League and they did end last season with 4 straight wins here.
Antolin Alcaraz is the only doubt in the squad ahead of this game and he will need to pass a fitness test to determine his availability for selection.
Fulham
There have been a few comings and goings at Craven Cottage in the last transfer window, but the signing of Dimitar Berbatov looks a good one that could keep the side above any relegation worries. Fulham been tough to get a read on in the early goings, but better consistency may be around the corner now that the uncertainty over who is coming and going has ended with the transfer window closing.
Fulham have earned 6 points from their opening League games, winning 2 of those and losing 2. Both defeats have come away from home where they have scored 2 goals but conceded 6 and Fulham were also beaten in the Capital One Cup at Sheffield Wednesday in the last round.
They beat West Brom 3-0 at home last week to snap a 3 game losing run in all competitions so confidence should have at least been restored. Fulham have lost 4 away games in a row in all competitions going back to last season and they are just 3-0-10 in their last 13 away from home in this calender year.
Philippe Senderos is expected back in the squad, but Kieran Richardson and Kerim Frei are absent. Mahamadou Diarra is another expected to miss this game, but Bryan Ruiz may return.
Head to Head
Fulham beat Wigan Athletic at home and away last season and have extended their run to 11 games unbeaten against the Latics.
Fulham hadn't won any of their 6 visits to the DW Stadium since Wigan were promoted to the top flight, but they did win here 0-2 last season.
The 5 previous games here had ended with the points shared.
Prediction
This looks a really close game to call between two sides that like to play their football and I am finding it hard to separate them.
Fulham have managed to consistently pick up points against Wigan Athletic, but their performances so far this season has made it hard to get a real read on the side. I think they are probably going to continue having a much tougher time on their travels than they do at Craven Cottage, but it is games like these they would have targeted for bonus points.
On the other hand, Wigan have played well in games while perhaps leaving some points on the field that they should have gained. They should pose problems for Fulham, but they do allow teams to create chances against them too.
Six of the last 11 games between the two teams have ended with the points shared and I am going for this one to go the same way as the 3.40 looks big considering how close both sides are in terms of quality in my opinion.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Wigan Athletic 1-1 Fulham
