Wigan v Arsenal: Defensive issues to prevail in this one

Arsenal boast a strong record over their next adversaries, having won eight of the previous 12 clashes, but their uncertain form of late means that Wigan are well in with a shout at the DW Stadium.

Even though the Gunners spanked five past Reading last time out, their defensive problems were highlighted once more with the Royals being gifted two goals. This makes their 8/11 favouritism very much worth avoiding in favour of a few quid on the 7/2 that says the home side will get the job done.

Fortunately for Arsenal, Wigan’s defence has been as leaky as their own of late. They’ve given up at least two goals in each of their last seven games and such generosity against Arsene Wenger’s men will not go unpunished. A price of 11/10 says Arsenal will score either two or three goals in this one.

When two sides riddled with defensive shortcomings collide, the neutrals are usually the winners and this game rarely disappoints.

Seven of the last eight renewals have yielded over 2.5 goals and the last four at the DW have seen the ball in the back of the net 18 times. For over 2.5 to be scored again is available at 8/13, while over 3.5 is an even tastier prospect at 6/4.
In these four games, Arsenal have either been battered Wigan, or squandered a winning position.

One of the most notorious collapses in Premier League history (most of them involve Arsenal) saw the Gunners press the self-destruct button when leading 2-0 with 10 minutes remaining and somehow managed to lose the game 3-2. A price of 14/1 says the Latics will come from behind and win this one, while a decent 7/1 is on offer for them to get a draw after going behind.

Conversely, backing Arsenal to overcome a single-goal handicap and triumph – which would have ensured profit in seven of the past 12 meetings between the two clubs – pays out at a solid 7/4 this time around.

All odds and matches accurate as of publication’s time and date