Premier League betting preview – Wigan

WIGAN

Last season: 16th

FA Cup: Fourth round

Carling Cup: Quarter-finals

Transfers in: Dave Jones (free agent), Ali Al-Habsi (Bolton, £4m)

Transfers out: Charles N’Zogbia (Aston Villa, £9.5m), Antonio Amaya (Real Betis, £250,000), Mauro Boselli (Estudiantes, loan)

Key man: Hugo Rodallega

Odds to be relegated: 2/1

Having avoided relegation on the final day of last season, Wigan are no strangers to scrapping in the doldrums of the Premier League. However, after staving off keen interest from Aston Villa in boss Roberto Martinez this summer, the escape artists have a huge task on their hands to maintain their top-flight status for another year. The odds of Wigan taking an overdue plunge into the Championship come May are foreboding.

Odds to finish bottom: 7/1

The sale of star winger Charles N’Zogbia to Aston Villa may see Wigan propping up the table at the end of the season. This outward transfer carries great significance due to the lack of activity Martinez has engaged in regarding new recruits. If you predict a disastrous season for Wigan, then why not take a punt on them finishing bottom with these generous odds?

Odds to finish above Wolves: 19/20

Alternatively, if you consider Wigan’s 2011 / 2012 season to promise success, then back them to surpass their basement rivals Wolves. However, this ambition may turn out to be fruitless as Wolves have strengthened defensively while trimming their wage bill from their last campaign. The Molineux outfit look set to shed their reputation as candidates for relegation, whereas Wigan will be struggling to keep their heads above water.