Swansea v Wigan: Martinez set for unhappy return to South Wales
Published:Swansea’s first ever home Premier League game is given a bit of extra spice by the presence of a certain Roberto Martinez in the opposing dugout.
Martinez was a fan favourite at the Vetch when he captained the Swans to a last day victory over Hull in 2003 that kept them in the football league and received even more plaudits at the Liberty when he took Swansea to the Championship.
There will be no cheers from the Swansea faithful this time…
Match Odds
Wigan hosted Swansea in the Carling Cup last year and ran out as 2-0 winners.
However, it was a Swansea team without the likes of Nathan Dyer, Scott Sinclair or Stephen Dobbie in the starting XI.
Consequently, Swansea head into their second Premier League game as 6/5 favourites.
The Latics started their Premier League campaign with a 1-1 draw against another newly-promoted side, Norwich City, while the Swans began with a 4-0 hammering at the hands of Manchester City.
However, the Swans completed 486 passes against City – more than any other team managed in the opening weekend of the Premier League – and against a lesser Wigan team they should have more joy.
The Swans also boasted the best home record in the Championship last term and didn’t lose consecutive games all season.
Backing Swansea to win this at 6/5 looks like the bet to take on.
Other Markets
Swansea have boasted the best home defence in the Championship for the past two seasons and, with left-back Neil Taylor returning from suspension, the Swans should be more solid than against Man City.
With Brendan Rogers’ side expected to dominate possession, backing Swansea to win to nil at 5/2 looks well worth backing.
