Saturday 12/04/2014, 19:00, England FA Cup, Semifinals, Wigan vs Arsenal
Wigan vs Arsenal Betting Preview
Wigan Athletic fans had very few reasons to be enthusiastic about how their team performed this season, but things could take a turn for the better. Wigan sits in the fifth place in the Championship division and could return among the best English teams. They are also alive and kicking in the FA Cup, a competition they won last season, but they will have a hard time besting Arsenal.
Wigan vs Arsenal Betting Odds
At bet365
Wigan 7.00, Draw 4.60 Arsenal 1.50
Wigan vs Arsenal Betting Tips
Bookmakers are reluctant to credit the reigning champions with a decent chance at retaining the trophy and the fixture against Arsenal appears to be the biggest obstacle. It comes as no surprise that a team playing in the Championship division is the underdog against a former Premier League winner. Even so, Wigan plays much better than it did a few months ago, and the arrival of Uwe Rosler is the main reason for this sudden improvement.
They faced Manchester City in the previous round and back then, bookies were also expecting an easy victory for the Premier League giants. Rosler chose the correct strategy and made short work of their better opponents, to set up the stage for an epic confrontation with Arsenal.
Wenger is under a lot of pressure after missing out on another Premier League title and is in dire need of a trophy. They trail Liverpool by 10 points with just five rounds left and even if they put together a string of convincing results, the gap seems too wide to cover. Arsenal is not in a great form either and is winless in the last four games, so everything is on the line for them.
It would be excessive to blame injuries for their recent slump, although missing the likes of Ozil, Walcott and Ramsey didn't help their cause. Flamini is suspended, but Arsenal has plenty of options upfront and Podolski is going to be the main threat for Wigan tonight. There are no hosts and visitors in this fixture, as the game is hosted by Wembley Stadium, but Arsenal is expected to be the more offensive team.
Key Facts
- Arsenal allowed an average of three goals per match in the last four games and despite Wenger's best efforts, the backline is still shaky.
- 9 of the last 10 head to head games, were high-scoring ones with at least three goals being scored in each of those fixtures.
Wigan vs Arsenal Betting Odds Prediction
Arsenal is the best team of the four still standing in the FA Cup and expectations are high for the Gunners to lift the trophy. They will come out firing on all cylinders and despite their absentees upfront and in the midfield, should keep Wigan under pressure. While Arsenal would be the dominant force tonight, their own defensive woes can't be ignored, so betting on at least three goals to be scored is the best choice.
Bet: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.75 with bet365
