The Tipster - Wigan to pile on the misery at West Ham

26 November 2010 11:52
Forget Newcastle's home game against Chelsea, Liverpool's trip to Tottenham or Aston Villa's clash with Arsenal this weekend, one match grabs the attention like no other: West Ham v Wigan.

Sparks will fly at Upton Park. Okay, maybe not sparks, but there is just as much resting on this game as the far more glamorous trio of match-ups above.

It's rock bottom versus third from bottom. Two teams with a paltry 23 points between them from a total of 28 games played this season and a combined goal difference of minus 27. And with just four wins shared among the pair of them, this game represents a golden opportunity to grab a rare haul of all three points.

If Avram Grant or Roberto Martinez can't spur their sides on to win games like this, what hope is there? We might not yet be at Christmas, but already this is a must-win game - for both clubs.

Wigan have won only one of their last 14 Premier League away games - not the kind of record that tempts a flutter on them. But let's not forget, West Ham are bad. Very bad.

The Hammers have already lost three at home this season, shipping an impressive 11 goals on the way. And a fourth on Saturday is the bet of the day, with William Hill offering odds of 3-1.

Equally generous is Bet 365's 12-1 for an own-goal to be scored in East London, especially considering that Jonathan Spector has twice scored past his own keeper while playing for West Ham against Wigan at Upton Park.

Another really bad team, Wolves, are in action at the weekend against Sunderland, a team bang in form after picking up five points from their last three games against Tottenham (1), Chelsea (3, incredibly) and Everton (1).

Wolves, who provide the meat between West Ham and Wigan in a rather unappetising bottom-three sandwich, may never have lost five on the bounce in the Premier League, but they are good value to do just that this weekend, with Victor Chandler quoting a Sunderland win at 15/8.

Danny Welbeck, having scored in both his last two matches, could be the man to tame Wolves. The on-loan Manchester United striker looks good value at 13/5 with Paddy Power to score at any time.

Source: DSG