Wigan are in a real mire of poor form just now, and even though Martinez continues to praise the squad and their performances it is hard to believe that he means it all. The table shows the lack of goals and lack of defence, which has led to them stuck in 18th spot and a 3-5-7 record. They have managed to score 2 or more goals only twice in the League. November`s tally : P5 1-1-3 GF4-GA8. It`s simply not enough to be considered as an EPL team. Last week was the last straw for me regards getting behind them, as they lost 3-1 to a poor West Ham side. Stoke are better quality and hitting their stride right now, so minus Rodallega again, I can`t see where they will get the goals.
Potters Power
After 15 rounds Tony Pulis should be well pleased with this current position of 8th and 20pts. The early rounds saw them struggle to score and it`s telling that the first 11 matches produced 10 goals, but the last 4 have produced 9. Getting the confidence up in front of goals is key to any club`s performance, and last week`s injury time strike vs Man City gave them another point and keeps them with their momentum intact. Wigan must be seen as a clear chance to secure 3pts and maintain the flow of good times and self belief.
Stoke to shade it
Look at the last 4 games by Stoke and the times of thier last goals: 85, 90, 90, 90. They are fighting right to the final whistle and that shows a side full of commitment and belief. Pulis has them hungry for success and in turn they are getting used to that winning feeling come Saturday nights. Stoke are in no way a dominating side on their travels, but they have shown a solid streak of form, and with that in mind and Wigan`s lack of teeth in the box, this should be a perfect opportunity for a good result once more. Draws are common place between these two over the years, so some appreciation of that fact must be shown, therefore the AH (0) is a better way to go.
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Prediction:
Tip: 2 AH (0)
Odd: 2.00
Bookie: Interwetten
Stake: 8 /10
Tipster: Kather
