Can Martin's men keep up with Tottenham?(credit:
dalli58)
5/2 Latics look a big price to beat another ‘Top Four’ contender at the DW Stadium
Roberto Martinez’s team might have been given a tonking at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday, although it was no great surprise when you consider they have now conceded 39 goals in 15 matches on the road. It’s a different story on home soil, where Wigan have beaten Chelsea and Liverpool this season, so the 5/2 (Victor Chandler) that they put Villa to the sword seems a little on the large side.
After all, it was only eight days ago that they deservedly beat Rafael Benitez’s beleaguered team and Martinez will be calling for a repeat performance to further ease their relegation fears. Hugo Rodallega continues to represent the Latics’ best chance of scoring and the Colombian is 7/1 (bet365) to break the deadlock as he did when the two teams met on the opening day of the season.
Indeed, Wigan were 2-0 victors at Villa Park that day, although while the campaign has subsequently been one of struggle for the Lancashire side, Martin O’Neill’s team have contested a Carling Cup final, reached the FA Cup semi-finals and are in the hunt for a place in next season’s Champions League. They could really do with a maximum haul at the DW if they’re to realise this ambition and the bookies make them 5/4 favourites (bet365).
Although Villa were unable to find a way past Stoke at the Britannia on Saturday, it’s possible that they might find the home defence a little more accommodating. Gabriel Agbonlahor (11/2 Blue Square) is likely to start this encounter, having been on the bench at the weekend, with John Carew favourite to start alongside him. The Norwegian scored a recent hat-trick at Wigan in the cup and is 13/2 (bet365) to break the deadlock in this game.