Wigan v Aston Villa: Unlucky Latics end on a high

Wigan have finally made good on their threat to bow out of the Premier League, but they’re set to sign off with a win at home to Aston Villa.

Were it not for Villa’s astute signing of Christian Benteke it would almost certainly be them in Wigan’s place and the Belgian star will not be making the trip to the DW on account of the red card he received in the Villans’ 2-1 home defeat to Chelsea.

This makes the FA Cup winners’ 21/20 to bounce back from their 4-1 drubbing at Arsenal with a final-day victory excellent value. Paul Lambert’s side were more than holding their own against the Blues with Benteke on the pitch, but almost as soon as he was dismissed they fell apart, looking bereft of ideas and penetration in the final third.

At 12/5, the visitors represent one of the worst possible bets you could place as the curtain falls on another season, while the 5/2-rated draw isn’t much better.

Working off the premise that Villa aren’t going to be offering much up top, backing Roberto Martinez’ men to bid the top flight adieu with a win to nil could well be the way to go.

Comedy defending is something regularly associated with Wigan; it’s what has caused them to frequently play with fire at wrong end of the division.
However, in the reciprocating fixture, they pulled off a hefty 3-0 victory at Villa Park and that was when the west Midlanders were equipped with their prize asset.

Ladbrokes are offering 3/1 for the hosts to win the match without being breached and this is a price worth entertaining.

If you’re looking for something slightly more conservative in order to ensure an end-of-season payday, look no further than a punt on one or neither side to find the back of the net.

This bet would have copped in each of the previous three renewals of this clash, as well as seven of Wigan’s previous 15 in all competitions. It’s available to back at 13/10 so still leave ample opportunity for profit.

All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date