Betting Update; Blackburn v Wigan with the bookmakers making Blackburn their Evens favourites

Blackburn v Wigan

[ClickPress, Thu Apr 23 2009] When Sam Allardyce took over at Ewood Park last December did you really expect Blackburn Rovers to be in trouble at the wrong end of the table four months later?

The former Bolton manager was supposed to lift Rovers to safety – but they’re only one place and three points above the relegation zone. Allardyce’s record isn’t bad – five wins, six draws, five defeats – but consecutive losses against Liverpool (4-0) and Stoke (1-0) are why clouds continue to hang over Ewood Park have kept them perilously close to the bottom three and made them look like one of the value bets at 6/1 (Boylesports and Sportingbet) sixth favourites to go down in the relegation market.

The bookies fancy the home side here, though, Blackburn are evens (Coral) to win against their Lancashire rivals, which is surely down to the fact Rovers have more to play for. Wigan have slipped to 11th place, which means their chances of claiming a European place have dwindled. The bookies rate them as 10/3 (Blue Square, Bet365) to win the game, and it would be only their second win in eight away games this season. Their 4-0 drubbing at Everton last time out, however, hardly inspires confidence.

The draw – a best-priced 12/5 (generally available) – appeals most, but this is probably a game to swerve the match betting options. At first glance, a low-scoring encounter looks a better bet – and the stats bear that out. Five of Blackburn’s last eight games against non-Big Four sides have had under 2.5 goals, while Wigan’s games have been low-scoring since the turn of the year – nine out of 13 have had under 2.5 goals. Steve Bruce’s side managed to net twice at Sunderland recently (2-1 win) but they’ve generally struggled for goals, which is similar to Blackburn, who have failed to score in their last two matches.

The best price on under 2.5 goals is 73/100 (Bet365), but if that’s too short, consider under 2.25 goals at evens (Bet365). Half your stake will be placed on under 2 goals and the other half on under 2.5 goals – so as long as there are two goals or fewer you’ll make money.

Roque Santa Cruz, recovering from knee surgery, expects to be out until the end of the season, which leaves Rovers with few options in attack. Their one-dimensional tactics of booting the ball upfield for makeshift striker Christopher Samba failed dismally at Anfield a fortnight ago, so Allardyce will have to come up with something a little more subtle here. Benni McCarthy and Jason Roberts head the anytime scorer market at 7/4 and 12/5 (both Skybet) respectively – and it’s difficult to look past McCarthy in the home ranks. The South Africa international has a respectable record of eight goals in 14 starts and nine substitute appearances – so if anybody is going to net, it’s him.


Recommended Bets - 1pt Under 2.25 goals (evens)
Recommended Bets - 2pt Benni McCarthy (Blackburn) to score anytime (7/4)



• All prices correct at time of writing.

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