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Wigan v Tottenham

These two sides meet on Sunday for the second time in nine days, after Spurs somewhat fortuitous 3-1 victory in the FA Cup. Wigan were unlucky to lose that game, and were missing a few players (Kirkland, Heskey) plus Bruce gave a couple a rest.

This time around it should be a full strength Wigan side, including top scorer Zaki. They are in a great run of form, winning five from six, and only losing once in their last nine. They’ve also won four of their last five home games, have an overall home record of 5-2-3, and haven’t lost at the JJB since October 26th against Villa. Couple that with their record against bottom half sides – 6-4-1 – and it’s a compelling set of statistics.

Spurs complement those stats nicely with a poor away record; 2-2-6 for the season, and their last two away games have been defeats to Newcastle and West Brom. They have not won in  four league games, and the cup victories against Wigan and more recently Burnley may have put a glaze over their true predicament… they are in a relegation battle, no question about it.

In theory, Spurs as a ‘big club’ should be backed away to a no mark like Wigan – but going with form, there is no bet to make other than a Wigan victory – even accounting for the Defoe factor.

Wigan @ 13/8 (Paddy Power) – 1 point

Stoke v Liverpool

Stoke have been in good form at home this season, getting results against both Villa and Arsenal. However, Liverpool are in fine fettle; they’ve won three from their last four aways, and have beaten a 1.5 handicap in all of those. Torres should be back (if on the bench) which will be a morale boost, and now Rory Delap’s throw-ins have been (seemingly) negated, Stoke are short of ideas. They’ve now not won in six. Liverpool are rightly heavy favourites for this, trading at around 2/5 – but there is some value on the handicap, where they can be backed at 2.1 with a -1.5.

Liverpool -1.5 @ 2.1 (Victor Chandler) – 1 point

Sunthorpe v Hereford

There is one stand-out selection in League One, and that’s Scunthorpe at home to Hereford. Scunthorpe currently sit 6th in League one, with a 6-3-2 record at home, their last result a comfortable 3-0 win over Hartlepool. Hereford are 23rd and woeful on their travels, with a 1-1-10 record and only 5 goals scored in 12 games.

Scunthorpe @ 8/15 (Paddy Power or Blue Square) – 2 points