English Premiership: Weekend Betting Preview and Picks
By Shawn Young
ARSENAL (-1.5 -120) vs. WIGAN
Arsenal beat Standard Liege 3-2 away Wednesday; Wigan beat West Ham 1-0 Saturday.
Something’s wrong at Arsenal and this betting number is too big. Arsenal was once known for its defensive mastery but now can’t keep the opposition from scoring. The Gunners shipped four goals away to Man City last weekend and found themselves behind 2-0 after five minutes in Liege.
Wigan is just the disciplined team to keep this match close. They’ve played a bad second half against Man United and seemed relieved to exit the League Cup in Blackpool, but otherwise they’ve been value for money on the young season. We wouldn’t rule out Wigan taking something from this match as Arsenal looked very disorganized. The 1.5 goals is a half goal too much.
Andriy Arshavin (groin) and keeper Manuel Almunia (chest infection) remain out for Arsenal. The long list of injured role players (Denilson, Theo Walcott, Samir Nasri, Lukasz Fabianski, Johan Djourou, and Carlos Vela) remains unchanged.
Wigan have virtually the full squad to choose from. Olivier Kapo (knee ligaments) played for the reserves midweek and will not be rushed back.
Prediction: Arsenal 2, Wigan 1.
MANCHESTER UNITED (-1 +105) vs. MANCHESTER CITY
United beat Besiktas 1-0 away Tuesday; City beat Arsenal 4-2 Saturday.
This is the most anticipated Manchester derby in Sir Alex’s mammoth reign at United and the dog is the right side. While United have had to play away in Turkey, City have had all week to prepare. United have not faced a team with as much firepower as City and will have a hard time containing them.
Adebayor begins a three-match suspension for City after stamping on Robin van Persie last weekend, but this is a deep team who can replace him. City have been good value for money all season, however, this could be our last chance to bet them at this price. They won’t be a 1-goal dog to anyone, anywhere, for a long time if they play up to their potential here.
Rio Ferdinand (groin) is doubtful for United after missing the Besiktas match. Berbatov and O’Shea are likely play. Carlos Tevez (knee) is a doubt for City, but the consensus opinion is that he desperately wants to face his old club even if he has to take the field on crutches.
Prediction: United 1, City 1.