Premier League Accumulator

After their heroics at St James’s Park last weekend, Paulo Di Canio’s Sunderland will be brimming with confidence this afternoon. Wigan are now in full survival mode and I’m taking them, along with the Black Cats, to win us an accumulator that comes in at just a shade under 10/1*(StanJames).

The Mackems have been dramatically rejuvenated by the arrival of the charismatic Italian which saw them secure a famous 3-0 victory over their local rivals last Sunday. Today Everton visit the Stadium of Light in what looks like the worst possible timing for the Toffees. Even a fortnight ago this fixture would have looked welcoming, but not so now.

David Moyes can be proud of the fight his side have shown in the battle for Champions League football but the bid now looks destined to fall just short. A 0-0 draw at the Emirates was the least they deserved in midweek but Sunderland (23/10 StanJames) can take advantage of the extra period of rest they have enjoyed.

We all know what Wigan (9/4 StanJames) traditionally do at this time of year and they are well capable of grabbing a crucial three points at Upton Park. They were the better team away to Manchester City in midweek, and very few teams can say that. They didn’t get the result they deserved on Wednesday but as Roberto Martinez said: “If we play like this we will get the points we deserve.”

Before the Etihad setback, the Latics were in fine fettle after four wins and a draw in their previous five outings in all competitions. I fancy they can get back to winning ways against a West Ham team who may be on a slight come down after their exciting 2-2 draw against Manchester United.

The Hammers felt aggrieved by Van Persie’s late equaliser and will be thinking they will win this one if they match the same level of performance. I don’t think they will hit the same heights - it matters more to the visitors - who should leave with the spoils.

*Exact accumulator odds are 9.73/1 with StanJames; the best available odds on the market.