The past week has finally seen some good news for Arsenal fans after weeks of torture, with Arsenal finally winning a game and seeing five bright British talents signing new deals, including our ever improving gem Jack Wilshere.
Following a return to winning ways with an emphatic 5-2 victory over Reading on Monday night, Arsenal will be hoping to continue winning ways away at the DW stadium this weekend.
Team News
Arsenal started arguably their strongest eleven on Monday night, and with no fresh injury worries, Wenger’s biggest decision will be whether to keep the faith with Walcott in the central forward position or bring Olivier Giroud back into the fold.
Wigan, however, have far bigger team selection problems. With at least four players out injured, including Ben Watson, and numerous other players serious doubts for the match, such as captain Gary Caldwell and the impressive James McCarthy, manager Roberto Martinez has a serious headache when deciding his team.
Tricky Wigan
Fixtures against Wigan have been notoriously tricky for Arsenal, from the semi-final defeat in the 2006 league cup to last season’s 2-1 defeat at the Emirates, and against a side with great team-strength under Roberto Martinez, this fixture could prove difficult once more.
With Arsenal on a recent patch of bad form, a Wigan team with only one win in their last seven games could be tricky, especially as the DW stadium pitch isn’t suited at all to Arsenals football, while we all know Wigan’s famous support can be there 12th man.
Key Players
Wigan’s attacking options are more impressive than their defensive ones, with Arouna Kone and Jordi Gomez posing the biggest threats in front of goal, and if they can catch Arsenal on the counter attack, Kone’s power and pace could easily cause Arsenal’s defence problems.
Wigan do have in their ranks the impressive goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi, their saviour in many games, who will do his best to keep Arsenal at bay.
Theo Walcott, if selected to retain his starting place up front, will have to prove that he can play in this position, while if Giroud starts he will need to score, as he is in a drought dating back to the Spurs match. Arsenal’s defence will also need to be on their top form, as Wigan’s attackers if given an opportunity could prove to be a problem.
Santi Cazorla, Wilshere and Arteta will need to be at their dazzling best to break down a resolute Wigan side in midfield, and will have to overcome the quality of the pitch in addition to the opposition.
With Wigan chasing a much need three points, and Arsenal looking to claim back-to-back wins the game could be close, though the Gunners should claim the win. However, with Arsenal, nothing is ever certain.
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