THERE is little to be lost but much to be gained by siding with Wigan Athletic in their Carling Cup semi-final second leg against Arsenal at Highbury on Tuesday night, a match being shown live on Sky Sports 1.
Wigan hold a 1-0 lead after a tense first leg and, if they can preserve that lead, will reach the final of a significant competition for the first time in their history.
Sporting Index seem to think that the unfashionable Latics will fall at the final hurdle, quoting their win index at between 4 and 6 in a market that awards 25 points for a win and ten for a draw.
However, Wigan were good value for their 1-0 win a fortnight ago and it is no fluke that they have secured 37 points in the Premiership this campaign — the same as Arsenal.
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They were gaining their sixth win on the road this term when beating Middlesbrough 3-2 on Saturday and Paul Jewell, their manager, seems certain to select his strongest side.
The same cannot be said for his opposite number, Arsene Wenger. He has included Thierry Henry and Sol Campbell in his squad, but whether either will start remains to be seen. Pascal Cygan (hamstring), Ashley Cole (thigh) and new signing Theo Walcott (cup-tied) are definitely out.
Even if Campbell and Henry get the nod, there is no guarantee that the Gunners will come out firing on all cylinders. They have blown hot and cold all season, following up a 7-0 thrashing of Middlesbrough with a disappointing 1-0 defeat at the hands of Everton.
If Arsenal are at full strength and play to their potential, then they are the most likely winners. But they are big ifs and, at the prices, a buy of Wigan’s performance has to be the value bet.