English Premier
2011-12-17 - Wigan vs Chelsea
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Match Preview :
After beating Premier League leaders Manchester City in their last match, Chelsea will be keen to pile the pressure on the top two by winning again this time against Wigan away from home.
Andre Villas-Boas side still trail Manchester City by seven points although, Chelsea will be hoping that Arsenal can take some points against Mancini's side on Sunday, which means that Chelsea could further close the gap this weekend.
Wigan though have won two out of their last three games in the Premiership and will be eager to create an upset here although that is a tall order for th Laticsm.
Roberto Martinez's Wigan Athletic side have managed wins at Sunderland and West Brom in the last few weeks, although it is at home where Wigan have struggled to get the results.
In their last five home games, Wigan have not managed a win since beating Queen Park Rangers back in August. Since then they have lost to Tottenham, Bolton, Fulham and Arsenal with Blackburn being the only side they have managed to take a point from.
Wigan will once again rely on Jordi Gomezwho has scored three goals in his last four games, although two of those have been penalties. Wigan come into this match still in the relegation zone despite their recent wins, but a win over Chelsea could change all that.
Wigan will not have fond memories of facing Chelsea as the West Londoners put 15 goals without reply in the last three meetings between the two sides.
For the record, Chelsea beat Wigan 6-0 in last season's fixture at the DW Stadium, just months after winning 8-0 at Stamford Bridge. And that result meant Chelsea were crowned champions under Carlo Ancelotti, but it remains to be seen if AVB can replicate a similar result this time around.
Chelsea have a number of difficult games coming up as well. They travel to White Hart Lane to face rivals Tottenham on Thursday, before taking on Fulham in a West London derby on Boxing Day.
Then their fourth game in a fortnight is against Aston Villa on New Year's Eve, meaning the race to the title could be a lot clearer at the start of 2012.
Team News :
Chelsea Team News :
Chelsea goes into this match without any new injuries but they still have a number of absentees. Midfielder Michael Essien continues to miss out, while Josh McEachran cannot play due to the ankle injury he sustained against Liverpool.
Frank Lampard is looking to start after scoring the winner as a substitute against Manchester City on Monday, although Raul Meireles is hoping to keep hold of his place in the side.
Wigan Athletic Team News :
For the home side Wigan, they are not able to name full-back Patrick van Aanholt in their side as he is not allowed to play against his parent club.
Chris Kirkland has picked up a back injury and will also be missing from this match as he is replaced by Al-Habsi in goal.
Possible lineups
Wigan : Al-Habsi, Stam, Caldwell, Alcaraz, Figueroa, Diame, McCarthy, Jones, Moses, Sammon, Gomez.
Chelsea : Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Luiz, Cole, Ramires, Romeu, Meireles, Sturridge, Drogba, Mata.
Prediction :
Take Chelsea to win and give the 1 1/4 ball here.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Wigan 0-3 Chelsea
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Chelsea to win
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Main Bet:
Take Chelsea to clear the 1 1/4 ball handicap with a solid win.
Take Chelsea to clear the 1 1/4 ball handicap with a solid win.
