Skip to content

A Latics legend

Image: Martinez is engineering another titanic fight against relegation

Ed Chamberlin casts his eye over the fairytale form which has lifted Wigan to within sight of survival.

Brave Latics are coming good at the perfect time, says Ed

What a difference a week makes. It's amazing to think that only a few days ago Wigan were odds on for relegation, but after an incredible week which has seen them beat Manchester United and Arsenal, they are now out to 13/2 to go down with Sky Bet. Seven days is a long time in the Barclays Premier League. What's more, it could have been even better for Roberto Martinez's side as they were so unlucky to lose at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea. There was no fluke about either win as they out-played Manchester and then put on a brilliant display on the Monday Night Football against Arsenal that made even Gary Neville feel proud of the Wigan players! That could be an expensive result for Arsenal in the race for Champions League football and now they face Chelsea in a crucial match on Saturday, which kicks off the Premier League weekend on Sky Sports. This is the 150th League meeting between Arsenal (11/10 to win with Sky Bet) and Chelsea (12/5). The 149th game was a sensational one in October - won by a hat-trick from Robin Van Persie as Arsenal triumphed 5-3. Chelsea had led 2-1 at the break and the incredible turnaround saw them concede five at home in the Premier League for the first time. Arsenal have now scored the most Premier League goals against Chelsea (58). This looks a tough task for Chelsea hot on the heels of an energy sapping 90 minutes at Wembley and then the brilliant win against Barcelona on Wednesday night. Surely they will have one eye on Tuesday's second leg and Arsenal could therefore be a decent bet at 11/10.

Crucial

I'll be heading to Molineux this weekend to present Super Sunday, which could be the day that decides the Premier League title. Both Manchester United (1/7 to win the title with Sky Bet) and Manchester City (9/2) are in action with the champions again having the chance to land the first psychological blow. If the two teams mirror each other's results, United would head to the Eithad Stadium on the Monday Night Football on the 30th knowing a win would seal a 20th domestic title (13th Premier League). First on Super Sunday, United (2/7) are up against Everton (8/1) and surely catch them at the right time after their disappointing and demoralising defeat in the FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool. United have an amazing record against Everton in the Premier League having won 29 of the 39 meetings, losing just four. United have scored more goals (78) against Everton than they have against any other Premier League side and have won the last five meetings at Old Trafford and have not conceded in the last three. Everton's only Premier League win at Old Trafford was 3-0 in August 1992 - Peter Beardsley was among the goals. It's sure to be tough again for Everton on Sunday. Interestingly, the referee is Mike Jones who sent off Ashley Young in Aston Villa's 3-1 FA Cup 3rd round win at Sheff Utd in January 2011.
Response
After that on Super Sunday, Wolves (11/1) play Manchester City (2/9), who have re-found their form - but will it be too little too late? This is their third meeting of the season. City have scored eight goals against Wolves so far this season - 5-2 in a Carling Cup 4th round tie at Molineux on October 26th and 3-1 in the Premier League at the Etihad three days later. It's hard to see Wolves' back four being able to cope with Tevez and Aguero on Sunday. If only they'd been playing together all season... The other match that day is Liverpool (4/9) against West Brom (6/1). I know they've had their problems at Anfield this season but I think Liverpool to win to nil at 6/4 is a great bet on Sunday. Liverpool have won ten of the 11 Premier League meetings and incredibly kept ten clean sheets in that time. The last Albion player to score from open play against Liverpool was Craig Madden in a 2-1 home defeat in April 1986. Liverpool have won all five Premier League meetings at Anfield without conceding. That is some record.

Around Sky