Match preview: Wigan vs Arsenal
Kick off time: 6:15 pm (IST), Saturday, 22nd December.
Venue: DW Stadium
The early kick-off of the day sees the Gunners visit the DW stadium to face a Wigan side that are without a win in their previous four league matches; their previous win coming at home against 20th place Reading. It is a clash that would have been dismissed as a routine win for Arsenal on any other day, but Arsene Wenger’s side themselves have been turning in inconsistent displays so far this season, having suffered a defeat at the hands of fourth tier side Bradford city in the Capital One cup before going on to dispatch Reading with the scoreboard reading an emphatic 5-2. When two sides that have had such an unpredictable showing in recent times face off, it promises to be an encounter that would be a great watch for the neutrals.
Recent League form:
Wigan: WLLDL
Last result: A 2-1 away loss to Norwich
Wigan, on the other hand, are heading into a tough run of games following this one with the next three games involving trips to Everton and Aston Villa and then a home game against Manchester United. At this stage, Wigan, who find themselves in 18th place in the table, will take any points that they can get their hands on, in any way they can.
Arsenal: DDLWW
Last result: 5-2 away win over Reading.
For fifth place Arsenal, who have had the worst start to their campaign under Arsene Wenger, this is an opportunity to make up some lost ground and catch up to their rivals. With league leaders Manchester United seemingly out of sight already, it looks to be another season where a title challenge is not possible. But fortunately for Arsenal – who seem more interested in a top 4 finish –other than the top two clubs from Manchester, the others are not beyond reach and picking up three points here will at least temporarily send the Gunners up into third place.
Head to Head:
Last season: Wigan and Arsenal won one each.
The last time these two sides squared off against each other in April at the Emirates, it was Wigan who ended up having the upper hand in a 2-1 win.
But the fixture at the DW stadium last season was an emphatic 4-0 win for Arsenal – the kind of scoreline Arsenal fans have been thirsting for this season.
Injuries and Suspensions
Wigan: James McCarthy, Antolin Alcaraz
Arsenal: Abou Diaby, Lukas Fabianski and Andre Santos
Players to watch out for
Santi Cazorla (Arsenal)
With a hat-trick at Reading under his belt, Santi Cazorla is a player who on his day can terrorize opposition defenses with his long shots, accurate passing and a sense of vision to pick out team-mates. Roberto Martinez would do well to mark him tightly as any freedom given to him can have disastrous consequences for his side, as Reading learned the hard way. Wenger would be hoping the Spaniard would get going right form the kick-off and help pick up the three points.
Arouna Kone (Wigan)
Very good in the air, quick and strong, summer signing Kone has fit in well for the Latics and can prove to be a thorn in Arsenal’s side. He can hold off defenders with his strength and set up other players on goal. It would be interesting to see him compete with Mertesackr.
Prediction
Wigan’s vulnerability at the back might compensate for Arsenal’s lack of firepower. If the game pans out as expected, a one goal win for Arsenal looks likely.