English Premier
2013-04-20 - West Ham United vs Wigan Athletic
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English Premier League
Saturday 20 April 2013 - Kick Off 3pm
West Ham United
Sam Allardyce was a little upset that a bad linesman decision allowed Manchester United to escape with a point from their game here on Wednesday night. However, he was also quick to praise his side for a very good performance overall as West Ham United picked up another point towards making sure they have enough to survive in the Premier League for next season.
That draw on Wednesday moved West Ham to 11th in the Premier League table and they have 39 points, although being 8 clear of Wigan Athletic in the final relegation place. That means a win here would all but secure West Ham's place in the top flight for next season as long as they can improve their 7-5-4 record at Upton Park. They have scored 28 goals and conceded 20 in those games.
West Ham United are unbeaten in their last 4 games in the Premier League since a 2-0 loss at Chelsea, although the last 3 games have all ended in draws. They have now lost 1 of their last 7 home games in all competitions and West Ham have won 2 of their last 4 games here in the Premier League.
George McCartney and James Tomkins are both doubtful, while Joe Cole is definitely ruled out.
Wigan Athletic
Winning the FA Cup would be a very big achievement for Wigan Athletic, but it would all be worthless to the club if they are relegated from the Premier League this season. With the likes of Sunderland and Aston Villa picking up points in recent games, Wigan can't afford to let these sides get away from them and that means picking up some sort of a result from this trip to Upton Park.
At the start of the weekend games, Wigan Athletic are in the final relegation zone and are now 3 points from safety, albeit it with an extra game in hand compared to most of their rivals. They have a 4-3-9 away record this season, scoring 17 goals but conceding 26 in those games.
Wigan Athletic had been unbeaten in 5 games before losing 1-0 at Manchester City during the week despite having a lot of good moments in that game. They had only lost 1 of their last 10 away games in all competitions before the loss at the Etihad Stadium, but Wigan are certainly going to be confident considering their only 2 losses in their last 11 away games have come against teams currently in the top three.
There are no new injury worries for Roberto Martinez ahead of this game, although he is expected to make some changes to the first eleven.
Head to Head
Wigan Athletic have beaten West Ham United twice this season... They beat them 2-1 at home in the Premier League and 1-4 here in the Capital One Cup.
Before that Cup game, West Ham had been unbeaten in 4 home games against Wigan, winning 3 in a row.
Prediction
This could be quite an entertaining game with the way West Ham United approach their home games and especially considering Wigan Athletic will feel they can get a win here.
Goals have been coming freely when these teams meet each other, particularly at Upton Park and there could be at least 3 in this one.
The Pick :
West Ham United 2-2 Wigan Athletic
