Tuesday 29/04/2014, 20:00, England Championship, Round 45, Birmingham vs Wigan

Birmingham vs Wigan Betting Preview

Interest for the English championship is insignificant, compared to the Champions League action, but for Birmingham and Wigan, this is a match of critical importance. The hosts are still struggling in the relegation area, while the visitors are barely hanging on to their sixth place that makes them eligible for the playoffs. Dropping points tonight would jeopardize their objectives, but a draw would only make the last round more tense.

Birmingham vs Wigan Betting Odds

At Skybet

Birmingham 3.80, Draw 3.50, Wigan 1.95

Birmingham vs Wigan Betting Tips

The hosts are in awful shape, losing four games in a row and allowing an average of three goals per game over that span. So far, April has been a terrible month for Birmingham, but they still have a good chance to avoid relegation if they rebound in the remaining two rounds.

Perhaps the most important thing is that they want against Milwall and Doncaster, the first two teams above the relegation area. Both of them have a narrow advantage over Birmingham, but they only have one more game to play and face difficult opponents.

The head to head record favors Birmingham, so if they end up tied with either of the aforementioned clubs, they will play for at least one more season in the English championship. The hosts have no injured players and are only without 39-year-old defender Robinson who is serving a two-game suspension.

Wigan are in an even better position, as they are tied with Reading for the fifth place, have two more games to play and will face Blackburn in the final round. Their opponents have no relegation concerns and no reason to push for victory, so Wigan is very likely to win at least one point. A similar outcome tonight wouldn't trouble them too much, even though the visitors could hope for a straight victory, since they travel at full strength.

Key Facts

• Both teams have a game in hand over their counter candidates, so earning a point tonight could be enough to secure their objectives for 2014.
• Birmingham is yet to lose a home game to Wigan, winning three out of four and scoring a total of six goals while allowing just two.

Birmingham vs Wigan Betting Prediction

Wigan is credited with the first chance by most bookmakers, mostly due to the fact that the hosts are mired in a lengthy losing streak. The thing is that both teams are highly motivated to make the most of the remaining rounds and a point tonight would be mutually beneficial. Birmingham will play with a sense of urgency and their head-to-head record suggests that they even have a chance at defeating Wigan. That's why, the best option for punters tonight would be to bet on Birmingham to win or draw at even odds.

Bet: Birmingham or Draw @ 2.00 with Skybet