Birmingham made a decent start of the season with home win against Blackburn and staying undefeated vs. Liverpool as well as in two away games (Sunderland and Bolton). Then came a tragedy for them expressed in derby defeat against WBA 1-3. Team reacted positively and defeated MK Dons in a Cup game. Brum are very good at their St Andrew’s and if they don’t lose today it will be one year without a home defeat! They brought on loan Alexander Hleb from Barca and he should make a great impact on the right flank. Birmingham are in second, usually very dangerous, season in the top crew and avoiding relegation is main objective. To reach that, they must win the games like Wigan at home. James McFadden is injured.
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After just five rounds passed, Wigan already announced their candidacy for moving down to Championship. One very lucky victory (over Spurs on the road, 1-0), one draw (Sunderland at home, 1-1) and three defeats with shocking goal difference 2-13! Wigan have only won one of their last eight Premier games and before Spurs, they had noticed six consecutive defeats on the road. In the previous round, Man City took all 3 points from DW Stadium with Wigan had not a single attempt on a target. They look very bad and I think manager Roberto Martínez is close to face the exit door. Only light in the dark is N’Zogbia’s recent shape, but it cannot be enough to push the whole team. Captain defender, Gary Caldwell, is still sidelined as well as midfielder Cleverley.
It’s a big difference in quality, here. Birmingham will play for the fans as it is first game after WBA and this should be their “best shot” (or very near to that). I’m aware the most of their wins are with a goal margin, but here expect something more.
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Bet: Birmingham -0.75
Odd: 2.12 188bet
Stake: 8/10
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