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Arsenal will be looking to regain some of their winning momentum after losing in midweek to Manchester City in the Carling Cup and dropping points to Fulham with a draw last weekend in the Premier league. As well as regaining momentum, a win against Wigan will hopefully also instil some confidence ahead of tough games against Everton, Manchester City and Aston Villa.
With the likes of Vermaelen, Van Persie and Gervinho all rested in midweek, expect the all the regular first-team players to slot right back into the team and provide extra solidity at the back, more quality in attack up front and better service in midfield. Although in saying this, the performances of Frimpong and Coquelin in midweek haven’t done their chances of a first-team call-up any harm.
The fruitful frontline of Gervinho, Van Persie and Walcott should be back to terrorise the Wigan defence with Arteta and Ramsey to feed them from midfield after also being rested. At the back expect Koscielny and Vermaelen to partner in the centre of defence to contain the tricky and pacy Hugo Rodallega with Djourou at right-back after his good performance in midweek and Santos on the left.
With Wigan lying a lowly 19th on the Premier League table, anything but three points would be a disappointing result. Expect Arsenal to have a large amount possession and to secure all three points comfortably. Hopefully the likes of Gervinho will be able to convert his chances after missing numerous sitters in recent weeks.
Arsenal :
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Wigan:
on team news…
The good news is that from Tuesday night we have no injuries, everybody is available. Of course all the players who have not played are available as well.
on the overall situation at this point in the season…
We cannot complain on the injury front and overall the situation is quite positive. We have of course the long-term injuries but all the rest are not bad.
on Abou Diaby…
It is a slight muscular problem, he’ll be out for around 10 days.
on Tomas Rosicky…
He is still out but he has a chance to be available for Olympiacos. He has a thigh problem. He is back in training – not full – but in fitness training.
on Ryo…
Ryo is out until the end of December.
Arsenal – Robin van Persie – The flying Dutchman has been impressive form this calendar year and will look to continue his fine scoring record against Fulham. Considering the opposition and the potency of Arsenal’s attack you wouldn’t put it passed Van Persie to add to his tally.
Wigan – Franco Di Santo – The Argentinian has scored 4 times for Wigan this term and will look to add his tally. With an average of 2.3 shots per game, expect the Di Santo to at least test Szczesny
Szczesny
Djourou Koscienly Vermaelen Santos
Song
Ramsey Arteta
Walcott Van Persie (c) Gervinho
With many first-team regulars rested in midweek, expect them all to slot right back into the side to resemble the team that played last week against Fulham. With quick players such as Rodallega, I feel Wenger will use his quicker centre-backs, Koscielny and Vermaelen, to nullify Wigan’s attacking threat. There is a chance Oxlade-Chamberlain may get a place on the bench after an exceptional game in midweek and Wenger stating he is close to being ready for the big stage.
Arsenal to win:
Bet365 are offering the best odds at 4/7.
Draw:
Skybet have 3/1 odds for a draw.
Wigan to win:
Paddypower, Skybet & Bet365 are all offering odds of 5/1 for Wigan to win at
allArsenal’s Special Bet:
allArsenal’s Special Bet: Anytime scorer – Theo Walcott =15/8
*Special bet facts:
Walcott is Arsenal’s second top scorer and is in devastaing form at the moment claiming assists left, right and centre and come close to netting against Fulham as well as scoring an extremely important goal against Chelsea before the international break. The Englishman also has fresh legs after being rested in midweek.
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Wigan 0 Arsenal 2
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