please log in to view this image Premier League 3rd Dec 2011 KO: 15:00 DW Stadium please log in to view this image Arsenal travel to the DW Stadium for this premier league clash on Saturday. While Arsenal hold a very good head to head record against Wigan they have failed to win in their last two encounters at Wigan's home ground. Both times throwing away a lead. Arsenal go into this game on the back of two disappointing results in the league and league cup. An unexpected home draw against Fulham and a loss against Man City. While the later was mainly a game between the second's team it has to be of some concern that once again the reserve forwards failed to impress. But Wenger did watch his younger players put in an impressive display. The likes of Coquelin, Frimpong,Oxlade-Chamberlain and Miquel all showed their worth and future prospects of featuring in league games like this one against Wigan. Wigan have one sole purpose, and that is simply to remain in the premier league. Their owner has made that clear and his managers past and present have met his sole requirement. It is an astounding feat that Wigan have remained in the top league for six years now. When you consider the average crowd they get and the wages they pay to their players it is to their credit that they have stayed in the premier league for so long. They have very good scouts who provide them with unknown talents that in turn Wigan develop and sell on for a great transfer fee. The likes of Wilson Palacios and Antonio Valencia being two prime examples. Their manager Roberto Martinez could have left in the summer but in the end decided to stay put. Despite the prospects of better resources elsewhere he would have never got more trust from an owner. That trust from Dave Whelan is the key reason why he is not under any serious pressure for his job despite only winning two league games this season. Martinez's Wigan sit 19th in the league and this season could be their toughest yet. With the newly promoted sides getting off to decent starts, its going to be a big ask for Martinez to meet his owners’ sole requirement for another season. Wigan go into this game without a player that caused Arsenal all sorts of problems in the past few seasons. That player being French International Charles N'zogbia, who was sold to Aston Villa this summer. Without him they look less dangerous but Victor Mosses does have the raw talent to cause Arsenal a few problems. James Mccarthy is the player they look to for creativity in the midfield and he does fulfil that job. Wigan come into this game on the back of a shock win away to Sunderland where Franco Di Santo scored the winner. But Arsenal should win this game with their attacking talents facing a very dodgy Wigan defence. Van Persie as always will lead that attack and he has 13 goals to his name. But on the right side a certain Theo Walcott has started to hit top form and his pace especially in away games is always a problem. Maynor Figueroa will be in for a busy afternoon against the flying forward. Team News: Wenger Form Guide: please log in to view this image Three Key Match-ups: please log in to view this image James Mccarthy please log in to view this image Maynor Figueroa please log in to view this image Gary Caldwell Overall Record: Played: 16 Wins: 12 Draws: 2 Losses: 2 For: 35 Against: 13 GD: 22 Last 6 Meetings: Arsenal 3-0 Wigan Wigan 2-2 Arsenal Arsenal 2-0 Wigan (League Cup) Wigan 3-2 Arsenal Arsenal 4-0 Wigan Wigan 1-4 Arsenal please log in to view this image Wenger's Views regarding the reliance on Van Persie for goals: Martinez on Arsenal My Team: please log in to view this image Final Score: please log in to view this image
Our form hasn't fallen off, we had one draw against Fulham after a tough midweek game. Then we played a great game against City and were unlucky to lose. Whereas Wigan have lost four of their last six games. Most people will tell you that Arsenal are the form team here. I'd expect us to get 3 pts from this game, that said, we know we're going to have to put in a shift. Playing away from home is never easy, but I think the lads will want to show that the City result was harsh and hit the ground running again
I love games in the North West.The coach is picking me up at 10-25,i'll be on the beer by 12-30 and i'll be home by 7
Last year we played a weak team at Wigan because we played Chelsea just a few days before. And the year before they could not meet us at a better time. That team was on one hell of a free fall. We should win this one.
I think we're on good form as our form guide indicates. I'd be disappointed not to come away with all 3 pts, but we still need to put in a shift.
You know you never put who the players are when you put up those "key matchups" pictures ... hard to identify some of the opposition team members sometimes.
Thought everyone would know, maybe that is a change I should do for the next game. The Wigan players from top to bottom are James Mccarthy, Maynor Figueroa and Gary Caldwell.
Considering the form we are in and the ruthlessness we have shown in front of goal in recent games, i think we can win this game confortably.
I just think Wigan's defence is far too weak to hold off our attack especially because of the form of Walcott and Van Persie. Also with TV back in the defence we can always have faith on that front.
Can this work esp against an obstinate wigan side? --------Song------------Arteta---------- -------------Gervinho-------------- ---AOC-----------------------Walcott ----------------RVP---------------
Is that a 2 man midfield? Can't see Gervinho playing close to the midfield as he more of a winger/forward unlike say Rosicky or even Yossi.
I just think AOC should be given more opportunities in the first team after his brilliant displaysssss. At least as sub..
Yea. you are right.. i wouldnt even wantt to disrupt the new found understanding between Gervy and Santos...
