Unless you support either side then Wigan vs. Birmingham does little to excite however it may just present the best betting opportunity of the weekend and I want to be against the hosts.
It is impossible to know what to make of Wigan from week to week, they can hardly ever be relied upon, but at just 2.16 I am happy to take them on versus a Birmingham side in fantastic form and the visitors are surely good enough for at least a point on Saturday.
Tottenham’s 9-1 thrashing of Wigan a fortnight ago was clearly a freak result but it does show that manager Roberto Martinez still has plenty of work to do, despite their bounce back victory over Sunderland last time out, and the Blues will provide another stiff test.
I can’t figure out Wigan’s likely fortunes this season but I know that Birmingham will arrive at the newly renamed DW Stadium full of confidence on the back of five unbeaten in the Premier League and Alex McLeish has made them hard to beat.
Birmingham’s unlikely goal hero in back-to-back 1-0 wins over Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham in their latest two fixtures was Lee Bowyer and the former England man finally appears to have put his injury nightmares behind him. Bowyer still has plenty to offer and he forms part of an excellent looking midfield.
Scotland internationals Barry Ferguson and James McFadden have had their ups and downs in recent seasons but the pair seem to be flourishing under fellow countryman McLeish and their efforts take the pressure off the likes of Cameron Jerome in attack.
Birmingham’s success this season has been built upon being difficult to breakdown, they have only conceded 14 goals in as many matches, and it must also be pleasing for McLeish that they have picked up seven points on their travels.
No side in the bottom half has amassed more away from home than Birmingham and the Scottish boss has one of the very best young goalkeepers in the top flight in the shape of Joe Hart to rely upon between the sticks.
I think one goal will be enough for the visitors to secure at least a share of the spoils in the north-west and avoiding defeat on Saturday will keep them above the Latics.
The pair look far too accomplished to me to be fighting a relegation battle come the Spring but both will view this as an excellent opportunity to add to their points tally and I couldn’t rule out the travelling fans going home the happier having claimed all three on offer.
2pts Lay Wigan (vs. Birmingham) @ 2.16 (Betfair)