Tough task ahead for Wigan as they chase another survival success
Published:A Wigan Athletic revival, seeing off the threat of relegation out of English football’s top division is something that one has become accustomed to in recent years. But is this the year that they succumb to the drop? A price of 1/2 may look short, but looks well worth taking.
After their 2-0 defeat to West Ham this weekend the Latics sit three points behind Aston Villa, with five to play and a final day clash between the sides at the DW Stadium could be the decider – if Villa haven’t already extended their lead, that is.
Paul Lambert’s side have been engaged in a Wigan-esque resurgence of their own recently, with three wins in their last five. The fact that they have scored in 12 of their last 13 away games could hold the key on the run in. With home ties against Chelsea and Paolo Di Canio’s revitalised Sunderland in store, points on the road could be vital.
Despite the fact that they begin their run-in at Manchester United, a trip to Norwich looks perfectly winnable prior to their showdown against Wigan. A win in Nofolk could be all that is needed to put Villa clear enough of their pursuers.
With Wigan still to face Arsenal and Tottenham , it is possible that they will need at least three points from their games against Swansea and West Brom. Even then a victory when Aston Villa visit on May 19th looks necessary; but Wigan’s record in this fixture doesn’t read well at all, with just one victory in seven clashes at the DW.
With Villa priced at 9/4 for the drop and Wigan at 1/2, the overriding question for many will be whether the Latics can triumph on the final day of the season. But with their record in the tie, and the question mark as to whether they will still be able to stay up come the day, Martinez’s men look well worth backing to go down.
All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
