English Premier
2011-02-01 - West Brom vs Wigan Athletic
A Sports Betting Pick by ArmchairPunter
Football : England : Premier League
Tuesday 1st February 2011 – Kickoff 8pm
Next stop is The Hawthorns which sees hosts West Brom take on relegation rivals Wigan Athletic on Tuesday night in a real six-pointer which could see West Brom open up some daylight between themselves and the relegation places, while a win for Wigan would see them level on points with tonight’s opponents.
West Bromwich Albion
West Brom can now concentrate on the league after being dumped out of the FA Cup by Reading 0-1, and in their last home match they beat Blackpool 3-2 in an entertaining encounter, racking up their fifth home win of the season in the process. I believe this to be a significant factor as only Wolves and Aston Villa have won as many at home, in the teams involved in the lower quarter of the league.
The Baggies have already beaten Sunderland 1-0, midlands rivals Birmingham City 3-1, Fulham 2-1, Newcastle United 3-1 and Blackpool 3-2.
Their WBA record reflects their attacking nature; 5-2-4 16/17, and I believe they will keep playing attacking football to attempt to avoid the dreaded drop into the Championship.
Manager Di Matteo has just signed Carlos Vela on loan from Arsenal, another indication that they see their way to preserving their Premiership status by playing open, attacking football. Vela could well slot in alongside leading striker Peter Odemwingie (8 goals, 2 assists) on Tuesday night, while other attacking options for the Baggies include Somen Tchoyi (3 goals), James Morrison (3 goals, 2 assists) and play-maker Chris Brunt (2 goals, 8 assists).
Wigan Athletic
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez also likes to play attractive football, but alas The Latics have lacked the end product on the road and with only 8 goals to their credit, they are the lowest scoring away team in the top flight.
No surprise then that since their shock 1-0 win at Tottenham back in August, they've managed to win just one other match on the road which was a 2-1 victory at Wolves on Boxing Day. Their away record reads a dismal 2-4-5 8/16, and they've drawn a blank on five occasions in their eleven away matches so far.
Despite not scoring at the weekend, Wigan's 0-0 draw at Bolton will have lifted their spirits somewhat and will now go back to their home ground for the replay – but the harsh realities of Premiership survival will once again be knocking at their door when they travel to a noisy Hawthorns.
The Latics however do possess some dangerous players also; leading scorer Hugo Rodallega (6 goals), midfielders Tom Cleverley (3 goals), and the enigmatic Charles N'Zogbia (3 goals, 2 assists) but you never seem to know which N'Zogbia will turn up.
The Betting Verdict :
There are usually goals when these two sides meet, so I'm expecting a few tonight with West Brom just edging out their opponents in a tight one.
West Brom to win 2-1.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
West Brom 2-1 Wigan
BEST BETTING TIP :
Main Pick : Take West Brom to win @ 1.75 with Pinnacle SportsSide Bet : Consider Peter Odemwingie to score anytime @ 2.20 with bet365 - Odemwingie has scored 6 of his 8 league goals at home.
