English Premier
2012-04-16 - Arsenal vs Wigan Athletic
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Match Preview :
Monday Night Football comes from The Emirates Stadium as Arsenal tried to strenghten their third spot in the League. Arsene Wenger side have the chance to open an eight point lead with closest challengers Tottenham and Newcastle and Chelsea a further two points behind. Nevertheless all the other teams have a game in hand. Wenger knows a top three finish guarantees automatic qualification to the UEFA Champions League group phase, avoiding the need to start their season early and play in the qualifiers.
However they must not take it easy against a Wigan side who came away with a win against Premier League leaders Manchester United 1-0 in their last outing at the DW Stadium. As it is, Wigan have won three of their last four top-flight outings to climb to two points outside the relegation zone. Roberto Martinez is on their way to pulling off a great escape it seems.
However they do have to battle against history as Arsenal have scored 19 goals in their last six Premier League meetings with Wigan and have won 10 of their 13 top-flight encounters. In fact, Arsenal have won all nine matches at home to Wigan in all competitions, keeping a clean sheet in each of the last six, and the Gunners have won their last five league games at home, losing just one of their last 15, with two draws.
Team News :
Arsenal Team News :
Full-back Kieran Gibbs has a 50-50 chance of starting for Arsenal as his groin injury is healing fast, according to Gunners boss Wenger. Meanwhile, midfielder Gervinho (ankle) is also likely to be back, while midfielders Abou Diaby and Francis Coquelin (both hamstring) are set to return to the squad next week for training.
Defender Per Mertesacker is continuing his rehabilitation in Germany after suffering an ankle injury against Sunderland in February while defender Laurent Koscielny is suspended.
Wigan Team News :
Striker Hugo Rodallega is Wigan's only injury concern ahead of this clash. Rodallega has not played for the Latics since 11th March due to a knee problem but is back in training and will be assessed before kick off.
Other than that Roberto Martinez has a full squad to choose from.
Possible lineups
Arsenal : Szczesny, Sagna, Vermaelen, Djourou, Santos, Arteta, Song, Walcott, Rosicky, Benayoun, Van Persie
Wigan : Al Habsi, Alcaraz, Caldwell, Figueroa, Boyce, McCarthy, McArthur, Beausejour, Moses, Di Santo, Maloney.
Predictions :
Go for Wigan and accept the 1 3/4 ball as Arsenal is not likely to win more then 2 goals here.
The Pick :
Arsenal 2-1 Wigan Athletic
BEST BETTING TIP :
Go for Arsenal to win this match.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Main Bet :
Take Wigan on the handicap of +1 3/4 ball as Arsenal could well be satisfied with a one goal margin win.
Take Wigan on the handicap of +1 3/4 ball as Arsenal could well be satisfied with a one goal margin win.
