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Two teams with different objectives in sight will meet in the second round of the Championship, with Bournemouth looking to avoid relegation worries and finishing mid table, and Wigan being one of the favorites to achieve promotion. These two teams were separated by two divisions last season, Bournemouth was in the First League and Wigan Athletic in the Premier League.
Bournemouth had a nightmare first round, losing 6-1 at the hands of Watford. The looked horrible in defense. Of course, Watford is a solid team, but Bournemouth won`t have it easier today, as Wigan is just about the same quality as Wartford. There`s not much to say about the hosts, they are a really mediocre team, most probable they`ll finish in the bottom-half of the table this year – that is only if they improve their performances, because if they play like they did against Watford, relegation would be assured.
Wigan did not play in the first round of the Championship due to the Community shield, which they lost 0-2 against Manchester United. Despite the defeat, Wigan did not play bad at all and kept their dignity against strong United, giving them a fight. Today`s visitors lost a few players in the off season but they still have a highly competent squad for Championship standards, with a number of star players, an excellent first eleven overall and an experienced manager in Owen Coyle. The team really looks to be in good shape at the moment and we should see an interesting season from the Latics.
Bournemouth has some squad problems, they won`t be able to count on strikers Ritche and McQuoid, while Daniels is questionable. Captain Elphick and Coulibaly are also doubtful, but they have solid chances to play. Meanwhile, Wigan is at full strength for this one.
Bournemouth: Allsop; Francis, Ward, Cook, Daniels; Coulibaly, Arter, MacDonald, Pugh; Thomas, Grabban
Wigan: Carson; Perch, Barnett, Boyce, Crainey; McClean, Watson, McCarthy, Beausejour; Maloney; Holt
The two teams met twice last year in the FA Cup, 1-1 at Bournemouth and 1-0 for Wigan at home, but Wigan played without motivation, with many reserves in those games.
Wigan is clearly the better team here and with the horrible display Bournemouth put against Watford in the first round, you have to consider the visitors huge favorites today. Surely they will be confident of defeating Bournemouth after playing well in the big game against mighty United last week. The hosts also have those injury problems, so they really don`t have too many arguments to get something from this one. They are poor in defense, so the visitors should not have too much trouble in creating chances and getting on the scoresheet. Wigan looks set to start its Championship campaign with an important away success. They need to win these kind of matches if they want to achieve direct promotion.
I`m backing Wigan to get the three points here, and I have to say the odds are not bad.
Pick: Wigan
Odds: 2.15 @ William Hill
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 8.05
Event date: 17 August
