Wigan v Leeds: Latics to shine against rudderless visitors

Andy Tongue
03 April 2014

Sky's cameras have found their way to Wigan for the first time this season

Join

Twitter

Facebook

View the Betslip

With a playoff spot to secure, Wigan will be too strong for struggling Leeds in Saturday's lunchtime fixture, says Andy Tongue

"This is the sort of match up you can get at this stage of the season - one side has nothing to play for, while the other is in the heat of the play-off battle"

Back Wigan/Wigan in the half-time/full-time market at 2.3411/8

Wigan v Leeds
Saturday, 12:15
Live on Sky Sports 1

Wigan

Amazingly for a side relegated from the Premier League last season, and the defending FA Cup holders, this is the first time Sky have deemed Wigan worthy of appearing live on television this season. In contrast it will be the eighth occasion today's opponents have been shown.

Until the New Year, there was almost some vindication of the blackout of the Latics as they floundered around the mid to lower echelons of the table. But since Uwe Rosler replaced Owen Coyle they have charged up to fifth in the table and reached Wembley again in the cup semi-finals (claiming the scalp of Manchester City again).

The recent draws against lowly Yeovil and Bolton showed that you can't take anything for granted in this division but they twice led leaders Leicester in Tuesday's 2-2 draw and deserved to have taken all three points.

At home they have lost just twice all season and should be far too strong for their dispirited opponents here.

Leeds

Leeds' off-field trials and tribulations have overshadowed their performances in recent weeks, which is probably a good thing for the players given their insipid efforts.

Tuesday's home defeat against the team who can't score, lowly Charlton, followed on from a 4-0 hammering at Bournemouth and an embarrassing Elland Road derby defeat at the hands of Doncaster. They were also heavily beaten home by Reading and Bolton within the space of four days and have won just one of their last 10 matches.

The one bright point has been the continued good form of striker Ross McCormack, who had scored in each of his last four games before missing an injury time penalty against Charlton. His tally for the season is 27 and whoever is in charge at Elland Road over the summer is sure to find their determination to keep hold of the 27-year-old tested.

However, asides from McCormack I can't see anything in United's side to trouble Wigan currently.

Half time/Full time

This is the sort of match-up you can get at this stage of the season - one side has nothing to play for and is counting down the days till the end of the season while the other is in the heat of the playoff battle.

That makes a home win the obvious pick here, though 1.564/7 is short enough. I like to look for something at better than evens and backing Wigan/Wigan in the half-time/full-time market at 2.3411/8 appeals pretty strongly.

Cash Out Opportunity

There could be goals here. Wigan's last two games have been 3-3 and 2-2 draws, while before drawing a blank at home to Charlton, Leeds had scored in each of their previous 10 games. As McCormack is their only real threat, Brian McDermott may decide that attack is the best form of defence and throw caution to the wind here. I suggest backing 'any unquoted' in the correct score market and looking to cash out for a guaranteed profit if we see some early goals.

Recommended Bet
Back Wigan/Wigan in the half-time/full-time market at 2.3411/8

Cash Out Tip
Back any unquoted in the correct score market at 7.26/1