LeeDixon

Match Odds/Asian Handicap

The Latics showed no lack of character, spirit and endeavour when holding Chelsea to a draw last weekend, but I don't see lightning striking twice at the DW Stadium.

Liverpool are coming to the boil nicely under Kenny Dalglish. Their combination of pacey attack and very solid defence has developed into a good mix, especially so away from home where they have won five from eight.

In Luis Suarez the Reds have a goalscorer and proven point winner, while Craig Bellamy creates chances for all. I was even impressed by Jordan Henderson last weekend. The youngster has taken some stick this season but it takes time and he may be ready to really perform now.

Wigan will have gained some confidence from Saturday's point, but that could be their downfall. Chelsea didn't lose just because of a Petr Cech mistake, the home side played their part in the result, but a home record of one win and three draws in eight games doesn't inspire and I think Liverpool have enough about them to pull off a third successive win.

Rather than take the 1.55 about an away win I'm going to look for bigger odds by backing the Reds -1 on the Asian Handicap. If Liverpool win by two or more we'll near enough double our money, if it's a victory by one goal, our stake is returned.


Over/Under 2.5 Goals

Preference here is for Unders, but I fancy Liverpool to keep a clean sheet (see below) and I'd be surprised if the Reds went out and scored three of their own, so rather than putting all my eggs in one basket I'll be leaving this market alone.


Liverpool Clean Sheet

The Reds' rearguard is currently ranked the league's best, having conceded just 13 goals, and at odds-against I fancy their chances of registering a seventh clean sheet of the campaign. Further encouragement comes from the Opta stats which point out that Wigan have scored just eight goals in 12 league meetings with Liverpool.


To Score

Luis Suarez hasn't been as prolific as many have expected but he's not been particularly lucky either, hitting the woodwork twice against Aston Villa. He looked threatening on Sunday and maybe the settled squad is about to bring out the best in him.


Recommended Bets

2pts Back Liverpool -1 on the Asian Handicap @ 1.94
2pts Back a Liverpool clean sheet @ 2.1
2pts Back Luis Suarez to score @ 2.2


For more exclusive Lee Dixon content, go to http://betting.betfair.com/football/leedixon/