Wigan vs Chelsea Betting – Blues Begin Victory Parade Against Latics
Chelsea was one of the online betting favorites to win the Premiership heading into the season, and they stand on the brink as they host Wigan Athletic on Sunday. The Latics pulled out one of the upsets of the season when they beat Chelsea, and that reminder should spark the Blues to another English crown.
- What: Soccer Betting
- When: Sunday, May 9th, 11:00 AM ET
- Where: Stamford Bridge, London, England
- Key Stats: Chelsea is 16-1-1 at Stamford Bridge this season; Wigan has 13 road losses
The Storyline
The Blues can clinch the title with a win over Wigan, but a draw won’t do, only three points because Manchester United will be playing Stoke City at home, which is a likely win for them. Wigan defeated Chelsea 3-1 at home earlier in the season, so there is also a factor of revenge here.
Who Has The Edge On Offense: Wigan vs Chelsea Betting
Wigan has scored seven goals in their last three matches, led by Hugo Rodallega and Charles N’Zogbia, but they’re more of a goals-by-committee outfit. If Wigan are going to have any shot at cracking the top 10 next season, they’re going to have to spend on an attacking player, because lately, they’ve benefitted from playing against poor defenses.
Chelsea could very well hit the century mark in goals, and while Didier Drogba is the main striker, the Blues have been more lethal lately due to Frank Lampard, who has scored 10 goals in his last 10 matches. Florent Malouda is giving brilliant service from the wings, too. Chelsea’s bench players are at least two levels better than Wigan’s starters. It’s not even close here.
Edge: Chelsea
Who Has The Edge In Defense: Wigan vs Chelsea Betting
Maybe the way to Wigan boosting their sportsbook odds is improving their defense, which allowed 71 goals, which was third-worst in the Premiership. Titus Bramble has been their stalwart at the back, which is never a good sign, even though he was a little better than decent this season. Chris Kirkland has given up a lot of goals, but a lot of those were through no fault of his own.
Chelsea could have Michael Essien, Jon Obi Mikel and Ricardo Carvalho back for this match, but they won’t really be needed as they’ve kept four clean sheets in their last five games. John Terry has been up and down this year, which is fair given his off-field problems, but Ashley Cole is back, and Michael Ballack has resisted the urge to go forward to help out while Mikel and Essien are hurt. Petr Cech has also had an excellent season in goal.
Edge: Chelsea
Notable Injuries – Wigan vs Chelsea Betting
Wigan is healthy, but the problem is, the players they have on the team aren’t good enough.
Mikel (knee), Carvalho (ankle/foot) and Essien (knee) may all be available to selection, but there’s no need to risk further injury, especially ahead of the World Cup.
Edge: Wigan
Totals – Wigan vs Chelsea Betting
Three of the last five have gone over the posted total, and unless Wigan pick up at least two of the top defenders in Europe, Chelsea should romp over them.
Edge: Over 2.5
Wigan vs Chelsea Betting Prediction & Outlook
Chelsea has won eight and drawn one of their last 10 against Wigan, and even if Wigan take a point at Stamford Bridge, that would be considered a tremendous sports betting upset. Wigan has been awful away from home with 13 losses in 16 road matches, and they may have made a mistake by beating the Blues 3-1 back in September. Don’t think Chelsea doesn’t remember that, and they’ll use that as incentive to rout Wigan, as if the incentive of winning the Premiership isn’t enough.
