Following 22/5 and 6/1 winners in Leeds' last two games, Tom Carnduff picks out four best bets for Sunday's game against Wigan.
Recommended bets
1pt Josh Windass to be shown a card at 11/2
1pt Cheyenne Dunkley to be shown a card at 11/2
1pt Reece James to be shown a card at 7/1
1pt Barry Douglas to score anytime at 8/1
For details of advised bookmakers and each-way terms, visit our transparent tipping record
Wigan v Leeds (DW Stadium, Sunday, 1330 BST, Sky Sports Main Event)
It's another piece previewing Leeds' latest fixture, such is the frequency of their appearances in live televised clashes, and this week sees them kick-off Sunday's footballing action against Wigan.
The 'Hand of Roofe' helped Leeds pick up a point at home to Nottingham Forest last time out, although you felt that an equaliser was on the horizon given the amount of time on the ball they had in that encounter.
While they may be eager to wrap up victory as they look to return to the top of the standings, Marcelo Bielsa's side will have to settle for another point here in what has proved to be a tricky venue for many away sides.
Wigan have one of the best home records in the Sky Bet Championship. A defeat to Blackpool in their League One encounter in mid-February was the last time the Latics were defeated at home in the league, picking up points in the 14 games since then.
They've also only failed to secure victory in just two of their seven games at home this season, and for all of Leeds' quality, they will face an incredibly tough task to avoid leaving empty-handed.
Leeds have a bit of an issue in defence with Luke Ayling and Gaetano Berardi both set to miss out here. That could see the introduction of Jamie Shackleton or Stuart Dallas in the right-back role, with the latter the favoured option at the moment.
On the opposite side, the Whites have received a huge boost with the return of Barry Douglas, and there is value on him grabbing his first Leeds goal at the DW.
The 29-year-old has three assists this season despite injury ruling him out of their last four games. His set-piece deliveries have been crucial, with all three coming in games that they would go onto win.
Those set-pieces could also help him find the net here. You get the feeling that a goal is overdue for the defender - as highlighted by his five goals and 14 assists in Wolves' title-winning 2017/18 season.
Wigan have the third highest foul count in the division, only bettered by QPR and Nottingham Forest, while Leeds find themselves as the seventh-most fouled team.
What this suggests is that Leeds should have opportunities within striking range, and Douglas has the ability to capitalise on those chances.
Cards could be shown here given Wigan's disciplinary record. Their 32 yellows and two reds is only beaten by Nottingham Forest in the fair play table, while Leeds also find themselves in the top-nine.
One player who has been capturing the attention of the officials is Josh Windass. The attacking midfielder has committed the third-highest amount of fouls in this Wigan side, while also picking up four yellow cards in 13 league games.
It's not just at Wigan where he is has been cautioned. Windass was booked once for Rangers in their Europa League qualifying campaign before making the switch to the Championship in August and saw a total of seven yellows in Scotland last season.
The 11/2 on offer looks great value, but it is something worth backing even if the odds tumble to around the 4/1 mark.
Sitting close to Windass in the form charts is Reece James, with the right-back committing 15 fouls and seeing two yellow cards. Given how Samuel Saiz and Gjanni Alioski are Leeds' most fouled players, James will be faced with skilful opponents that will prove to be difficult to deal with.
Referee Andy Davies has shown at least four yellows on seven occasions this season and that could spell trouble for some players on the pitch.
Score prediction: Wigan 1-1 Leeds (Sky Bet odds: 11/2)
Best bet
Opta facts
- Wigan and Leeds last met on the final day of the 2016-17 season – a 1-1 draw at the DW Stadium.
- Leeds are unbeaten in three league games against Wigan (W1 D2) since losing 0-2 on Boxing Day in 2014.
- Paul Cook’s only previous match against Leeds was in August 2013 in the League Cup first round – his Chesterfield side lost 1-2 at Elland Road.
- Since his debut in the competition in August 2016, no player has provided more Championship assists than Leeds playmaker Pablo Hernandez (20, level with Conor Hourihane).
- Wigan have lost just one of their last 21 home league matches (W12 D8 L1), a 0-2 reverse against Blackpool in February.
- Since the start of the 2016-17 season, Leeds haven’t won a single away league match when Luke Ayling hasn’t featured (P14 W0 D4 L10); Ayling is injured and will miss this match.
Odds correct at 1420 BST (02/11/18)
