Wigan Athletic v Stoke City Betting Preview

7 February 2010 31 views No Comment

Stoke City will be looking to keep up their good form on Tuesday night with a trip to Wigan Athletic, a side without a win in 3 Premier League games.

Wigan Athletic

Mohamed Diame opened his Wigan account with a thumping shot that earned Wigan a point at Sunderland at the weekend. With that result they remain outside of the relegation zone and 2 points behind the Black Cats. Their home form between now and the end of the season will be a big part of their survival chances. As will the form of the teams below them. A Tuesday night home game should help them, but breaking down a well organised Stoke defence will be tough. They did score twice in a surprise 2-2 draw at the Britannia Stadium in December which included Maynor Figueroa scoring from inside his own half. They were shut out in both meetings with Stoke last season, including a 0-0 in this fixture. If Stoke lack invention on Tuesday night, there could be a repeat of that scoreline.

Last 5 games
DLLLD

Injuries/Suspensions
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Stoke City

A comfortable 3-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers on Saturday eased any doubt of Stoke City’s Premier League status. I wasn’t expecting them to be in a relegation scrap this season and baring a sudden loss of form they should keep their comfortable gap above the bottom 3. Their home form is key to their success in the Premier League, but a 0-0 draw at Sunderland in their last away fixture ensured they stayed above the fellow bottom half side. Rory Delap’s long throws may cause problems against this Wigan defence. Stoke should find chances against this defence in open play too. I see Tony Pulis playing very conservative and for a draw in this fixture with his side being above Wigan in the table and wanting to keep it that way. But with a bit of convention and attacking minded strategy, three points are on offer.

Last 5 games
WDWDW

Injuries/Suspensions
n/a

A goalless draw is the only value bet in this game, not knowing how Stoke are going to lineup. Wigan should fancy their chances with a home game on a Tuesday night but they’re not playing very well this season. Either avoid this one or be brave by going for a scoreless draw.

Wigan to win 5/4