Wolves v Wigan

A game of such importance for both sides; Wolves are 17th having taken one point from their last seven matches. It’s even worse for Wigan Athletic, rock bottom after seven consecutive defeats. When the stakes are high, and the fear of losing becomes crippling, one result seems so often to prevail -a draw.

When I try to make a case for one of the sides, there is always an equally compelling argument the other way. Take Wolves. They probably have the better players, they have home advantage and two dramatic late goals rescued a 2-2 draw against Swansea last time out. That had the feel of a possible turning point, especially if you dismiss the subsequent results against Man City as simply to be expected.

But then again, take Wigan. Roberto Martinez’s side produced a fine performance last week, yet somehow lost 2-0 at home to Fulham. The statistics show that the Latics had 18 shots on goal, 9 of which were on target; the Cottagers mustered just 7 attempts, of which five tested the keeper. Yet they emerged with the three points. Logic suggests that performances will eventually turn into results.

Furthermore, Wigan have a great record at Molineux. They have never lost there, and the last two visits saw 2-1 and 2-0 triumphs for the visitors. Including a trip to the DW Stadium, it’s three wins on the spin for Martinez’s men over McCarthy’s. You have to question whether ‘home advantage’ even exists in this scenario anyway; the natives get so restless that Wolves will have to start well to feel the benefit.

As I say, a decent case can be made either way. But when all is said and done, these are two teams who can’t remember how to win football matches; neither have done so in the league since August! Back a nervy stalemate - a draw is a best price of 5/2 with Betfred.