Wigan v Man City Preview

Unlike his Man City counterpart, Roberto Martinez has a full squad at his disposal after his internationals reported back from World Cup duty in fine fettle. Wigan will be desperate to bring some consistency to their topsy-turvy season. Wigan are a team that have beaten the likes of Aston Villa and league leaders Chelsea, yet they’ve been turned over by Hull City and Wolves. The Latics are going for a 4^th home win on the bounce but have lost 5 of their 8 matches this season

This could be the first real selection headache for Mark Hughes this season as City look to consolidate their top 4 berth. Hughes will have to assess a string of injured regulars prior to the Latics tie. Kolo Toure, Craig Bellamy, Joleon Lescott, Pablo Zabaleta, Martin Petrov and Nigel De Jong are all struggling with injury. With Robinho already sidelined with a stress fracture of the ankle, Hughes could be short on numbers at the DW Stadium. City came up against a spirited Villa side before the international break and came from behind to share the points in an entertaining match. Craig Bellamy, who has been in scintillating form, got the equalizer and he’ll be sorely missed should he not be fit to face the Latics.

It’s fair to say that City have a rubbish record against the Latics having never won at the DW Stadium. But we now have a re-branded and money soaked City where you can pretty much scratch the past, they’ve started all over again. Villa recently highlighted vulnerability in City’s defence, but whether Wigan are cute enough to expose it is another matter. It could depend on which Wigan team turns up on the day but if City don’t have to field a heavily patched up team, they could get back to winning ways. With question marks over what team City will start with, I don’t think any value lies in Man City’s odds of 1.8, but I do think it could be a game with goals so the over 2.5 is definitely the bet for me.

Stakes 6/10 on Over 2.5 goals at 1.95 with Betfair. Click here to place your bet!