The Anorak: McLeish's Blues a banker bet at 5-6

BIRMINGHAM City look this week's stick-on bet at 5-6 to beat Wigan at St Andrews today.

Alex McLeish has assembled a good squad and has just penned a new four-year deal. World cup stars such as Nikola Zigic and Chilean playmaker Jean Beausejour have joined a team that are formidable at home, and they would have beaten Liverpool last time had it not been for an inspired Pepe Reina.

What can you say about Wigan? They lost 9-1 at Spurs last season, yet went to the Lane and won two weeks ago! For me though, the Blues are a better side and look a banker to beat them.

For the Yankee, add Rangers to win at Pittodrie at 8-13, table-topping QPR to keep up the good work against Doncaster (4-6 Bet365) and Rochdale to beat Plymouth 11-8 (Bet365). For a long-shot try St Johnstone to beat Dundee United at a generous 7-2.

• THIS WEEK'S BETS

Banker: Birmingham to beat Wigan 5-6. Yankee: Birmingham to beat Wigan 5-6; Rangers to beat Aberdeen 8-13, QPR to beat Doncaster 4-6, Rochdale to beat Plymouth 11-8.