Wigan have always been on the end of the wrong result at the Emirates so Roberto Martinez has his work cut out for him if he wants the club to get a result at Arsenal. Paul Jewell and Steve Bruce have both failed to do well since Arsenal left Highbury and moved to the more stylish Ashburton Grove but Wigan go there with nothing to fear. Arsenal will want to get back to winning ways in the Premier League after successive defeats in Manchester. A 4-1 hammering at Eastland's the most recent result.
In the Champions League on Wednesday evening, Arsenal proved that they are still strong and can recover after coming from 2-0 down to beat Standard Liege 3-2. With Wigan not playing midweek, the club will be fresher and an early goal might be available. Arsenal have lost Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor in the summer but still have lots of strength and depth.
Wigan Team News
Olivier Kapo played 90 minutes for the reserves on Wednesday and may be on the bench. Modeste M'Bami is still only on trial but Martinez should name an unchanged side that won last week. Hugo Rodallega is expected to continue up front with support from Charles N'Zogbia and Jason Koumas.
Wigan Predicted Line Up
Kirkland
Melchiot Boyce Bramble Figueroa
Thomas Diame
N'Zogbia Gomez Koumas
Rodallega
What the Gaffer thinks
"We are not going to go into any game thinking about damage limitation, because you have no chance of getting any points and you don't learn anything like that," he told the Wigan Evening Post.
"We will be brave and open-minded, and use every game we play to grow as a team."
"The 5-0 defeat against Manchester United probably looked damaging from the outside, but the first 50 minutes in that game helped us win on Saturday against West Ham," added Martinez.
"It's the way you develop, the way you learn, the way you grow as a team - and we are going to carry on doing that against Arsenal.
"We know we are in a transitional time, we know we are learning certain aspects in terms of growing together, and to be able to see the game through like we did against West Ham was pleasing."
Key Players for Arsenal
Thomas Vermaelen - The new signing has made a big impression since joined in the summer. He has linked up well with William Gallas and has chipped in with a goals as well. Will try to neutralise the threat from Rodallega.
Cesc Febregas - The captain has the ability to pick out a pass anywhere on the field and make it look effortless. The highly rated, young Spaniard is being tracked by Barcelona and may make the move next summer but for now, will try to unlock the Wigan midfield and defence.
Eduardo - Embroiled in the row which saw the Croatian striker banned for 3 games for diving but that has now been rescinded. A real threat inside the box as he will finish more chances than he misses. Has to lead the line now Adebayor has left for Manchester.
WIGANER.net Prediction
How great it would be to claim the clubs first 3 points against the 'top 4' away to Arsenal but unfortunately it doesn't look like it could happen. The defence will have to stay concentrated all game, the midfield must defend when they must and try to support Rodallega when they can as well. Any chances we get, we must take them as the punishment is normally defeat. A point would be great but defeat looks probable.
AFC 3-1 WAFC
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