Wigan can close on cementing play-off place by beating Leeds

Wigan Athletic have never lost a home league game against Leeds United, and are unbeaten at the DW Stadium under Uwe Rosler.

Couple that stat with one win in 10, including the current Football League and Premier League’s worst form of six defeats in seven, and the cash-strapped Whites look set for a hiding from the Latics. It comes as no surprise that Coral make Leeds massive 6/1 outsiders for victory.

Brian McDermott is up against it here, although he does have the second-tier’s leading marksman Ross McCormack captaining his side. The Scottish striker bagged a brace in the reverse fixture, so odds of 9/1 on him netting two or more should be considered.

McCormack is also 13/8 to score anytime at Wigan, who are odds-on 4/7 favourites for three points that will bolster their bid for promotion via the play-offs. One thing this match should not contain is a clean sheet; Leeds have managed one in eight, while the Latics have one in nine.

Back a Wigan win and both teams to score at 5/2. Were it not for the Whites’ woeful form, a draw – the outcome in two of the last three matches at the DW – at 13/5 would be tempting.

Likely scorers may include Nick Powell, on loan at the Latics from Leeds’ bitter rivals Manchester United. The England Under-21 star, who has been deployed by Rosler as a false number nine, has a dozen for the season in all competitions, and is 11/10 to net anytime.

Nicky Maynard, who has a goal against the Whites to his name from his days at Crewe Alexandra, may lead the Wigan line alternatively. He is 4/1 to score first.

Beyond McCormack, look to university educated target man Matt Smith, who has 10 Championship goals this term. Odds of 9/4 say the former Oldham striker will be on target anytime.

A 2-1 win for Rosler’s Latics looks a sound investment at 15/2, as they have scored twice or more in three of their last four home games. With nothing to play for except pride, but without a pay packet, Leeds players may already be distracted by what lies ahead in the future, so back Wigan for the win.