Total below 2.5
West Bromwich
West Bromwich shows mixed results. The team lost to Hull City (0-2) and Watford (2-3) and in the meantime beat promotion contenders Middlesbrough (2-0).
Carlos Corberian bets on high blood pressure. This is clearly evidenced by the 2nd place in the league in terms of the number of possession hits within 40 meters of the opponent’s goal. This style allows you to take the game away from the target, which helps a lot in defense. In terms of the expected number of goals conceded (xga = 1.01), the “bags” are in the top three. At the same time, they do not forget about the attack (xg = 1.36).
Several key players will miss the upcoming match simultaneously, including Airn-Grant (3+0), Thomas-Asante (5+0), Diangana (4+3) and Phillips (2+2).
Wigan
Wigan are struggling to survive this season. The team is 22nd in the table with Blackpool, behind them on goal difference.
There have been changes in the position of head coach at the club. Sean Maloney was appointed to replace the failed Kolo Toure. Under his capable leadership, the Latics won 7 points in 6 games, conceding only 1 of them.
Maloney is focused on organizing a reliable defense. On average per match, the team allows 0.75 xg, which is much less than the previous value of 1.12 xg.
Forecast
Given West Brom’s problems in attack and Wigan’s pragmatic style of play, I think we should expect a low score.
