Wigan v Liverpool Betting – Premier League

What next in the season for Liverpool? Every game is a must win for them now, as boss Rafa Benitez looks to salvage something from the season. Their highest priority is reaching fourth spot in the Barclays Premier League, and they are only one point away from there in sixth at the moment. The story does not read as simple as that though, because they will have a tough fight on their hands from Tottenham, Man City and Aston Villa for that. A defeat against Wigan would leave them reeling, with both Man City and Aston Villa having games in hand over them. Failure to reach the final Champions League spot for next season, would be a massive blow for the Anfield outfit, but that is what Benitez has promised.

The Reds have picked up their form somewhat, at least in terms of results, even if their play has still been leaving a lot to be desired. Six of their eight defeats have come on the road this year in the Premier League, something that looked unheard of at the start of the season, when they were expected to book a Champions League spot as one of the Big Four. They are lagging some way behind Chelsea, Man Utd and Arsenal this season, but there have been signs that they are not going to give up on the season without a fight. Having only lost one of their last 10 Premier League Matches, and that to Arsenal, has seen them play their way back into contention. They do have the failure of the other teams around them to capitalise on chances to pull away to be grateful for, but it has left them firmly in the hunt.

Liverpool failed to get out of the group stage of the Champions League, and now have the uphill task of trying to play their way back into next year’s competition. Failure to do that, could have a big impact on their summer signings, and financial resources for next season. They have extra reason to be hopeful, because star striker Fernando Torres is back, and being the main source of goals, the Spaniard is crucial to securing any success. Wigan’s fortunes however, have been the reverse of Liverpool’s, as they started out strongly this season, but just one win in the last thirteen matches in the league, has seen them fall rapidly backwards towards the relegation zone. The reverse fixture of this match in December, saw Liverpool win 2-1 at home, with goals from Ngog and Torres.

Wigan are pretty much at full strength, but what has happened to Roberto Martinez’s side, is a bit of a mystery.  History is not on their side for this one, neither is current form. Wigan have never beaten Liverpool, but now would probably be the best time ever. It is all falling apart for Wigan, as their try and battle their way out of their enormous slump without much luck. They were a difficult team to play against, and gave teams a good run for their money, but this season has been a different story altogether and their leaky defence, especially away from home, has left them just one point above the drop zone. Suddenly not getting relegated will seem like a success, in contrast to putting in a challenge for a top half of the table finish.

As well as gaping holes at the back away from home, Wigan have become incredibly shy in front of goal as well, just like Liverpool have on their travels. It is hard to see where the next win for Wigan is coming from, but they have to start finding ways soon to correct the situation, or else it may be too late to prevent them from playing Championship football next season. Their tally of just 11 goals at home this season, is just one better than Wolves, who have the worst record at home in the Premier League. They are ready to throw midfielder Victor Moses into the action, after the youngster, who moved from Crystal Palace, has injected a bit of life and enthusiasm into the middle of the park. But that does not always equate to quality, and lack of quality does not bring in those crucial points.

BETTING ADVICE

Last 5 Head to Head
Liverpool 2, Wigan 1
Wigan 1, Liverpool 1
Liverpool 3, Wigan 2
Liverpool 1, Wigan 1
Wigan 0, Liverpool 1

Last 5 Match Goals
Wigan: 2 For, 6 Against
Liverpool: 5 For, 2 Against

Last 10 Match Form
Wigan: W1, D4, L5
Liverpool: W6, D2, L1

Win Percentage:
Wigan have a 23.1 win percentage at home
Liverpool have a 28.6 win percentage away from home

BETTING PRICES
Liverpool: 8/13 at Bet365
Draw: 3/1 at Victor Chandler
Wigan: 11/2 at BetFair

Asian Handicap Betting Advice: The Reds should win this one, but their form on the road is not great, especially not in front of goal, having failed to score in five of their last seven away fixtures. That combined with Wigan’s lack of goals, should draw betting strategies towards a draw, or at least a Draw No Bet on the side of Liverpool. The form of Wigan is shocking, and they were thumped 3-0 at home by Spurs recently, a side which Liverpool beat. Bets will naturally lean towards Benitez picking up another vital three points, and a draw is more than possible, but a Wigan win would really come out of the blue. As a draw is likely, backing Wigan with a positive will bring a decent price:
Wigan +1 Asian Handicap: 11/10 at Victor Chandler