The Emirates, tonight, 8pm, live Sky Sports 1
A COUPLE of weeks ago I would have been firing into Arsenal any which way possible for a home match with Wigan … handicaps, HT/FT etc, etc.
But Roberto Martinez's reborn side deserve to treated with respect after three wins in four games – against Man Utd, Stoke and Liverpool.
Wigan looked down and out a few weeks ago but the big wins have seen them bounce out of the drop zone and into a fight for survival alongside the likes of QPR, Bolton and Blackburn.
Even their recent defeat at Chelsea was unlucky although some will point to the fact they caught Man United on a bad day and Liverpool on a bad year (in the league anyway).
So Martinez will take a confident bunch to the Emirates – but do they have any hope? Possibly but one thing they don't have is Robin van Persie and when the Dutchman's in the mood it's difficult to stop the Gunners.
At the end of the day a good Arsenal side will beat a good Wigan side so I'm sticking with the home win.
Bookies agree with that and make Arsenal 2-7 to tighten their grip on a top-four spot in the Premier League with a victory.
I'll mention the markets I'd have grabbed a couple of weeks ago and to be honest still look tempting. You can have 4-5 with Paddy Power for the HT/FT double and Arsenal minus one are 8-11 at Paddy Power and 15-8 minus two.
It's difficult to see past Robin van Persie to break the deadlock and the hitman with 27 league goals this season is 9-4 at BetVictor and bet365 to score first, 4-7 (Coral) anytime. BetVictor rate him 9-2 to score two or more.
Having netted against Man United, Chelsea and Liverpool you should consider Wigan to beat an Arsenal defence missing the banned Laurent Koscielny. Arsenal have netted in their last 15 at the Emirates so look at both teams to score at 1-1 at Ladbrokes.
Shaun Maloney netted the winner against Man Utd but is out tonight as is Hugo Rodallega so best hope of a goal could be Victor Moses.
With both teams on form there should be plenty of goals and over 2.5 pays 8-11 (various).
I'm always looking at different markets and here's one that caught my eye. It's team with most bookings offered by the likes of William Hill and Ladbrokes. Wigan are likely to be under pressure for longer and therefore under pressure to commit fouls.
So I thought they'd be smaller than 13-20 with William Hill for more bookings than the Gunners (13-5) while the tie is 10-3.
Recommendations
Arsenal HT/FT
(4-5, Paddy Power)
Van Persie to score first
Both teams to score
(1-1, Ladbrokes)
Wigan most bookings
(13-20, William Hill)
In December 2020 we sadly 
Rosicky to score anytime @7/2 Ladbrokes
Also what about Benayoun at 12/1 with Ladbrokes he is only 5/1 with tote, hills etc.
Just a heads up
Boylesports are refunding your stake up to £100 if your losing first scorer scores second. I’m going with Mr Fixits tip of Van Persie.
Paddy Power are also refunding losing first/last goalscorers, correct score and ht/ft if Van Persie scores the last goal.
Chris, I’ll probably do it with Paddy Power.
Think I’ll have a wee punt on Walcott 1st goal tonight and fancy 3-1 arsenal
Walcott or robin can’t decide on 1st scorer??
Matt, I’ve already made my choice so if you fancy Walcott go with it.
Matt RVP mate. I feel that if I back any other player other than RVP then I’m on an uphill struggle. I’d be scared whenever he got the Paul. Why don’t you stick him on first with Boylesports and if he scores second you will get your money back.
Done a double on arsenal ht/ft with blackpool ht/ft tomorrow. Was gonna go walcott and negredo but was trying to find another one for a wee trixie. Any thoughts ne1?
Joe, if you’re happy to roll the Blackpool line over why not put Dobbie in there on the scorers one.
Over 2.5 goals, over 12 corners, over 6 cards is 20/1 with willhill, what do you think of this?
George, it’s a tough treble. I’m thinking over 2.5 goals, Wigan won’t get many corners and over six cards probably depends on the tempo of the game and if it’s a tight battle. But that’s why you’re getting 20-1.
Gone £100 on who else but RVP to score the first goal (refunded if he scores second).
Chris, all the value is elsewhere but in games when players such as van Persie, Messi, Ronaldo and Rooney are playing it’s difficult to go against them for first scorer. I’ve got RVP first and any time and a little speculative bet on Maloney at any time. 7-1 is decent for a guy on form and who takes penalties and free-kicks.
Here’s a great bet Paul. First booking in under 35 mins at 5/6 with Bluesquare
Paul Dobbie is 15/2 with paddy power and around 9/2 elsewhere. He is 12/5 at anytime and 5/4 most places!
Paul Dobbie is 15/2 with paddy power and around 9/2 elsewhere. He is 12/5 at anytime and 5/4 most places!
Chris I got a fair bit of cash in ladbrokes account so can’t do it with anyone else why don’t ladbrokes do that on line they do in shop but £100 max!!!
Ok walcott negredo dobbie it is.
Matt, why don’t you withdraw £x amount from your Ladbrokes account, open up account elsewhere?? You’ll get great free bet offers and also the better value prices…
Thats true tommo @ the moment just trying to get to a grand in the next two weeks.
I’m at £630 as we spk so still need to make £400 so just trying to get to it so I suppose I should not get to hastey.
But with the gunners at home to Wigan seems a good nite to bet big and get to that grand???
Gettin a bit peed off with 888 mobile site. No goalscorer betting at all for la liga games or championship games :(
Joe, go with someone else then. Treat it like a shop, take your custom to best price and best service.
Matt it’s got to be Van Persie mate. Don’t go crazy because remember we have the Champions league games tomorrow and Thursday as well as the Europa league on Thursday. Don’t bet too much and you won’t be too disappointed if it loses.
I can’t see past RVP. Why don’t you stick a few quid on Negredo too?
To score 1st or anytime Chris???!
and how much you reckon??
Im wait on Moses any time for a £2 6fold anytime aca . i had o Connor jelavic augerio Lambert hooper. come on Moses for £785
Holy Moses Simon, all the best with that one.
Varmealan anytime 5/1 easy days wigans defense are hopeless at set pieces
arsenal 3-1 correct score
You are getting 21/10 from William hill for van persie 1st goal arsenal to win
Koscielny anytime is good value at 15/2
Good value but he ain’t playing tommo
Just noticed he is suspended
In shop today RVP was 9/4 to score 2 or more goals. Good bet but I think that price is too skinnny.
Am very tempted to do RVP 2 goals or more at 9/4. Whats more likely that OR him to score first? About the same probably. In past seasons Arsenal have trashed teams 7 nil eg ‘Boro and Everton (can you spot Im a Gonner) – a long shot but could that happen again. Wigan are playing well though. Ta,
That was with hills
Good luck Simon it will be great if it comes up.
Lee 21/10 for Van Persie to score first and Arsenal to win is horrendous. Yo can get better odds elsewhere just for Van Persie to score first goal (9/4)which is the same as 22.5/10 and thats only for the goalscorer.
Matt it depends really I personally just stuck £100 on Van Persie first bt if you want to play it safe you could be £80 on Van Persie first and £40 last. Your bet will cost you £120. If he scores first you get £260 back and if he scores last you get £130. If he gets both you get £390 back.
If you have the money Matt id put Van Persie on to score at anytime. I am very confident that he will score. Very, very confident but id only back him at a decent price. If you have a Coral account you can get him at 4/7 which is a great price. If you dont have an account with Coral then dont touch him to score at anytime as he is 1/4 with Ladbrokes.
Good luck my friend whatever you choose.
Paul do you reckon the first booking will come before 35 mins?
Chris, you would think so but it’s outwith my hands!
Chris, Maloney’s not in the Wigan squad, must be injured.
Hope we are all not writing off wigan too easy. Beat man utd liverpool and stoke and were unlucky i hear against chelsea. im reading these comments and ready to go and bet arsenal -4 with rvp gettin a hat trick! Lol
Joe, if you read my piece I say Wigan deserve to be treated with respect.
Arsenal to score in both halves 10/11
was going to put him on for anytime as well. Any other player capable of scoring for them?
No Rodallega of course so Moses could be the man, although I see Racing Post have tipped James McCarthy to score.
Would you risk £100 on first player booked before 35 mins?
Chris, to be honest I’d look into it more before deciding on the bookings bet. I’d want to know what time first booking usually occurs in the fixture and in Wigan away games in general and I’d be looking at the ref. Does he keep his cards in his pocket or does he usually get one out early?
The double of Arsenal and Reading returns just under EVENS. That might be safer?
Roland, should be OK.
Also why is Benayoun 12/1 with lads but 5/1 elsewhere?
Can simply be a difference of opinion. Has only scored two goals for the Gunners but 12-1 seems too big.
Walcott 1st goal….3-1 correct single and 5er on Walcott 3-1! Good luck lads!
yeah too big he’s just been cut to 9/1. He scored last week and 12/1 is too big for a winger. Think im gonna jump down to Ladbrokes shop. Maybe a wee £50 on him!!
Plus Ladbrokes refunding if Di Santo scores at anytime
Maybe £30 first and £30 last returs £390 if it comes up trumps.
ok just stuck £10 on James McCarthy. I know ill be kicking myself if Benayoun scores so im dashing to the bookies. See you guys soon.
Thanx roland u just made my mind up for me. Decent size bet on arsenal reading dble. fair bet on arsenal and blackpool winning ht/ft. also a bet on arsenal to score a penalty. thats me for tonight so let it roll and good luck every1 with your bets :)
Bloody hell, did anyone see that? 2-0 Wigan after eight mins. That’s why we can’t ever count our chickens.
Was ne1 listening to neville before the game about the whole diving issue? I was never a big fan of his but he talks very honestly and a lot of sense. Also comes at things with a very different angle and notices things in games i would never see.
Sorry mr f i was speechless for a few mins there! Shellshocked.
Just got back from the bookies and arsenal 2-0 down. Is this for real wtf. Goodbye Arsene Wenger
Chris, crazy start, Arsenal caught cold and it could have been three or four. As Joe says plenty of time for Arsenal to get into it but I’m considering Wigan or draw inrunning. Wigan are still odds against to win.
Anyone who had a first goalscorer on will get a refund as santos scored first
Only thing going against wigan is theyve maybe hit these goals TOO early. Lets all hope so anyway!
Refund with Ladbrokes
Chris, Negredo scores first and Vermaelen one back so things looking up.
Arsenal turning the screw tho now mr f. could leave back door open. Too hard to call now for me.
Joe, cracking game. I’ve already got btts up and over 2.5 goals as well as Negredo for Sevilla. A Van Persie anytime goal would help.
What a pile of shit!!!!!!!
There’s goes £200 ffs!!’
Arsenal to win 3-2 is 6/1, that’s a disgraceful price
Paul someone tipped that guy for set pieces at 5/1
Chris, Vermaelen’s always worth a look but I’m not keen on taking two players from one team.
As an Arsenal fan we will still win this. Poor poor start but there just giving us far too much space and freedom now, it’s really woke us up.
I can see 4-5 Arsenal which is tempting.
Nice 1 mr f. fingers crossed for u. i hope its a pen he scores coz i have that and need arsenal to win for my reading double. think my ht ft bet is done but u never know!
Matt where did you put on fgs. Ladbrokes are refunding first scorers if santos scored at anytime which he did.
I listened to Scott and went for Negredo anytime £30 at 11/10 and I had £10 Vernalen anytime @ 5/1 my last bet is Rosicky anytime at 7/2 £20 but I’m up already for to ought and I’m not greedy! Just hope we win to pull away from Spurs. And just as I was writing this Rosicky misses a great chance!
As long as you guys remember I gave Scott the Negredo tip although I spelled his name wrong!
Paul I done £50 on benayoun first and benayoun last. At least I have fgs refunded just waiting for benayoun last goal which would be nice
I had £60 on Negredo first goal at 11/2. I’ve also got £60 on him last goal. Fingers crossed
I tipped vermaelen to score anytime @ 5/1 chris and didnt put it on typical
Paul. Is there any promotions on signing up to unibet? Best price I could find earlier for Negredo is 11/10 it was pushing 2/1 on their?
Chris do u get refund if santos scores and also if rvp scored second or was that different bookies?
Why Lee, your mad. Getafe equalised. I need Negredo last goal and Benayoun last goal
Van Persie to score anytime is 2/5. Shocking odds
If you backed any player to score first goal with Boylesports and they scored second you got your money refunded.
If anyone has backed a first goalscorer with Ladbrokes then you will get a refund as they were offering refunds on first scorers if Santos scored at anytime and he scored first. Tefund applies to shops, Internet and phone betting.
See Paul a booking in 34th minute. Never done it though
Can get 6/4 for gunners now. Really tempting but done all my betting for the night…………. really is tempting tho!
Haha Joe! In the same boat!
Van Persie anytime 4/6 now
Chris on done bet online with ladbrokes didn’t say anything money back if santos scores??
Anyone shed any light on this???
Santos was an in shops offer after Rodallega was ruled out. If it was on the site it’s now off and you’ll have to wait and see or email customer service. But tomorrow’s shop offer on Ribery is also available online.
Only in store Matt sorry
Matt I can assure you 1000% my friend although I think it’s maximum of £100. I’m just back from the bookies. Do I can assure you that you have at least £100 back. It was originally Rodgella or whatever you call him but they changed it to santos when they realised he wasn’t playing
I’m collecting my money back in the morning Matt. Trust me, no need to confirm it but if you don’t believe me you can phone 0808 1000 421. If woman answers then ask to speak to a guy
Badham saying in store only you saying online as well what is it guys???
When will they credit money back then if refund at end of game???
Paul can you answer this question ????
Matt, sounds like Chris is certain. It will be refunded automatically probably after the game has finished.
Matt I can ASSURE you that it’s online also. Calm down. I seen it online. They also changed it on the website to Santos and it was even on oddschecker. I’ll tell you what if you don’t get back at least £100 I will give you the £100 myself. It will be refunded between after kick off and tomorrow morning. No need to phone anyone. Im well aware of cash backs with bookies so calm down and take a chill pill
Sorry Badham but your wrong and your causing our Matt some unnecessary worrying lol.
Refund If Franco Di Santo Scores Anytime
Arsenal v Wigan, Mon 16th Apr, 20.00, Skysports 1
Ladbrokes will refund losing first goalscorer bets, up to £100, in the Premier League clash between Arsenal and Wigan if Franco Di Santo scores.
http://www.betrescue.com/2012/04/football-moneyback-specials-22/
Chris you are right again mate I rang them and they said that was right logged into account while on phone and had my 1st £100 back now waiting for other as it was too bets!!
You the man chris you the man lol
Lol thought you were doubting me for a min
There’s nothing worse than losing your money and someone telling you that you get it back and you don’t. It’s max refund of £100 Matt you should have been a bit smarter and stuck the other £100 on in the shop
Getafe winning 2-1 now that’s good. It will make Seville push for another goal and hopefully it will be Negredo who gets it.
Honestly thought it was an in store offer to try and pull punters to shops I do apologies Matt.
No chance of my last scorer for arsenal. Benayoun subbed in 61 mins. So annoying. I should have remembered he always gets subbed.
Matt did you not stick on Negredo?
Chris, did you clock the first booking time?
Getafe pumping sevilla 5-1. Shamrock rovers man sent off in 12 mins and now 2-0 down. Arsenal 2-0 down to wigan in 8 mins! Why do we bet on this madness?! LOL
Yes I did chris but only £20 mate
Sagna in 34th minute
That was tight then. Tough market to call.
Lee boyle strikes again! Considered backing vermaelen anytime, but didn’t have as much confidence as you! Typical you didn’t put the bet on yourself! 3 from 3 now though, with Drogba and falcao scoring first yesterday! Keep ’em coming!
Ano Luke unreal I’ll put one up tomorrow n see if it happens again !
Who wuda believed after that first half there wuda been no more goals. RVP never got going. Gooners cost me a few bob the night :(
Weird night for betting strange games tonight ,lads we will make our money up tomorrow :-D
Just a note to everyone. If you put a bet on for first goalscorer, last goalscorer, correct score or score sat with CORAL then you will also get a refund as they were refunding bets if the last goal was scored by a header!!
Chris, for anyone interested in the moneyback offers betrescue have a list on their site which you of course are aware having sent on a link earlier.
I know I’d hate to think money doesn’t get collected. It must happen all the time
Chris, it’s bound to happen in shops but obviously not online.
Not had much success on the hockey front the past couple games, apart from the nights of crosby scoring first.
Although Pouliot did score first for boston just a pity i tipped first goalscorer.
Tonight I have £10 B.Marchand 12/1(First Scorer)
and taking a chance with M.Johansson 12/1(First Home team Scorer)
Hopefully Get a Win tonight.
David, good to see hockey’s just as unpredictable as football.
Yeah, ive came to the conclusion you can have a really good effort at tryin to beat the system but it just comes down to a bit of luck in the end.
David, a bit of skill and plenty of luck needed.