English Premier
2012-11-03 - Tottenham Hotspur vs Wigan Athletic
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English Premier League
Saturday 3 November 2012 - Kick Off 3pm
Tottenham Hotspur
There seems to be a lot of discontent at White Hart Lane amongst the fans that is likely to come out as soon as there is a significant downturn in results. Andre Villas-Boas just doesn't seem to be endearing himself to the fans with his tactical approach to games and the latest setback saw the side knocked out in the Capital One Cup during the week.
Despite some of the negative thoughts in the minds of Tottenham Hotspur fans, the side are 4th in the Premier League with 17 points to their name which leaves them 5 short of leaders Chelsea. However, they are only 2-2-1 at White Hart Lane this season, scoring 8 goals and conceding 7 in those games.
This will be the first home game for Spurs since the 2-4 loss suffered at the hands of Chelsea and they have now only won 1 of their last 4 games in all competitions. Before that loss to Chelsea, Spurs had won back to back League games here against Queens Park Rangers and Aston Villa and they have now scored 2 goals in each of their last 3 at White Hart Lane.
Mousa Dembele and Emmanuel Adebayor are both expected to return to the squad for this game. Scott Parker and Benoit Assou-Ekotto are long-term injury concerns as is Younes Kaboul.
Wigan Athletic
Roberto Martinez was not in the least impressed with his sides performance in the Capital One Cup during the week as they fell to League Two Bradford City in a penalty shoot-out. The Spaniard will be expecting a much better performance from his Wigan Athletic side in this one as they travel to a part of London where they have had a few tough times in the past.
After a really positive start to the season, Wigan were really struggling of late although they did pick up a huge 2-1 win over West Ham United at home last weekend. That pushed the side up to 15th in the Premier League and their 8 points gives them a little buffer to those sides in the relegation zone. Wigan are 1-0-3 away from home this season, scoring 3 goals but conceding 7.
The win over West Ham snapped a run of 5 Premier League games without a win for Wigan, a run in which they had actually lost 4 of those games. They have lost 3 in a row away from home in the Premier League, although perhaps being a little unfortunate at Sunderland and Swansea in their last 2 away games.
Antolin Alcaraz could be back in the squad for this game having been troubled with an injury, but Ryo Miyaichi, on loan from Arsenal, is going to need to pass a late fitness test.
Head to Head
Tottenham Hotspur completed a League double over Wigan Athletic last season after picking up just 1 point the previous year.
Spurs beat Wigan 3-1 here last season and have now won 5 of their last 7 at White Hart Lane against the Latics in all competitions.
Prediction
Tottenham Hotspur are a hard side to read at the moment as they seem to be finding the blend between attacking and defending hard under Andre Villas-Boas.
However, they are playing a Wigan Athletic side that has struggled on their travels for much of their time in the Premier League and one that can't be full of confidence having been beaten by Bradford in the Capital One Cup and the fact they have lost 3 straight away games in the Premier League.
This has been a ground that has held some painful memories for Wigan including a 9-1 loss three seasons ago and I think Spurs are capable of putting the three points on the board with Gareth Bale showing some real form.
Each time Spurs have beaten Wigan at home, they have done so by a couple of goals as they can expose the away side as they push forward for an equaliser.
It is a risky pick for the game, but I do like Spurs to win by a couple of goals in this one and that has been offered at a very attractive 2.50 by Bet Victor. I just have this feeling that Spurs can get ahead of steam here and they may just be too strong for a Wigan side that has been conceding goals away from home as indicated by the 4 scored by Manchester United and the 2 by Swansea.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Wigan Athletic
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
I'll back Tottenham Hotspur -1.5 Asian Handicap @ 2.50
