Wigan VS Middlesbrough

Wigan host Middlesbrough for this English Championsgip round 16 clash at DW Stadium early Thursday morning Beijinh time. This is the second tier of English football and is probably better than the second tier in any other country. I cannot agree with the bookies here on the visitors being (narrow) favorites. They did finish in the 7th place in this league last season but even in my in-depth preseason analysis I estimated that they would have a worse season 2022-2023. They were quite lucky last season in many matches that ended in their narrow victory. They have had a very bad start to the season and are currently in the 22th place with just 13 points to their account! They goal difference is also weak – 15:20. They have won just three games so far in and only one of their latest six games. I do expect them to climb up in the standings as the season progresses as they do have some good players in the team and are their squad's total market value according to a well-known and respected German website is Transfermarkt.com is close to 70 million euros. This is certainly too much but still reflects that there is some potential in the team. The listed market value is pretty good by Championship standards. Even, so I have significantly lowered their power rating that illustrates the teams' pure class.

I believe it will take time for Middlesbrough to raise their level.. Especially their defense has been quite shaky in many games and whilst Wigan do not have massive offensive power I expect them to be able to exploit the visitors' weaknesses in this area of the game and score at least once.The bookies seem to give more emphasis on last year's pretty good performances and the potential they possess. At the moment I see the two teams as equally good which means that taking the home advantage into account Wigan are the favorites here! As a draw would be a enough for me fans and me with the recommended +0.5 goal's handicap we have an 72% chance of winning. I expect a pretty defensive battle here between too teams who both seem to be low in confidence. In their most recent game Middlesborough were once again disappointing against Blackburn at home losing 1-2 despite recording 16 scoring chances. They were clear favorites in this match according to the betting market – priced around 1.95 to win by the biggest sharpest bookies with the highest stakes limits. Their offense lacked pace, passing accuracy and structure. Before this they lost to Millwall 0-1 away from home and despite the high ball possession percentage – 63% - recorded just one shot on target! Wigan were promoted to this level for this season but they certainly belong in the Championship! They are a traditional club who that even played in the Premier league some years ago. They have had a quite good start to the season and have taken 19 points so far and are in the 17th place but they too can improve their position. The bookies shouls respect them a lot more!