The Latics are intent on keeping their mini revival going in this afternoons tough looking fixture against high riding Arsenal at the DW
The last two visits of the Gunners to Wigan have produced two cracking games of football with late, late drama going in the favour of Martinez’s men
Last weekend Franco Di Santo knocked in the goal that gave his team their first win since August, the euphoria of that result needs to be carried forward into today’s game to start the next run of fixtures in a positive manner.
Arsenal had a shocking start to this seasons campaign, well by their standards anyway, just lately though they have put a run together that has seen the Wenger Boys climb the table, they sit 7th but just three points off a top four slot.
A tough challenge for the Latics today but they need to build on last weeks success.
What The Bosses Say:
Latics boss Roberto Martinez:
‘We both need the points for different reasons, so it will be a great match.
‘You can’t beat Arsenal by trying to be solid and defensive, they will find a way through.
‘There are always plenty of goals in the games [against Arsenal] here. We both treat the ball really well and play football from the back.
‘Their philosophy is a great example for any other team in the world. Arsenal represent huge values in the game.
‘We will have to put a lot of our energy into trying to break them down at the back.’
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger:
‘They play good football so it’s always a difficult game for us.
‘This year we have no choice – we want to win to take the three points. Wigan will be good opposition again. For us we just need to focus on our performance and try to win the game.’
Wigan Athletic Team News:
Antolin Alcaraz serves the final game of his three match suspension, no injury worries for Martinez
Latics possible Al-Habsi, Stam, Gohouri, Caldwell, Figueroa, Diame, Jones, McCarthy, Gomez, Moses, Sammon
Player to watch: Momo Diame
Expect Momo to shine today
By permission of Bernard Platt/Wigan Athletic
Arsenal Team News:
Abou Diaby, Tomas Rosicky, Ryo Miyaichi, Carl Jenkinson, Bacary Sagna, Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs are all out
Arsenal from Szczesny, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Mertesacker, Santos, Song, Ramsey, Arteta, Gervinho, Walcott, Van Persie, Fabianski, Djourou, Benayoun, Frimpong, Arshavin, Chamakh, Coquelin.
Player to watch: Robin Van Persie
Top player
Any Previous?
Latics and Arsenal have met 16 times
Latics 2 wins, Arsenal 12, draws 2.
Ref Watch:
Mark Clattenburg (Consett)
Why not take a look at our ‘Meet the Ref’ article
Mark Clattenburg Card Watch 2011/12
Games – 12, yellows – 40, reds – 3
Match Prediction:
Head says 1-1 draw
Heart 2-0 Latics win! Going with the heart
Up Next:
Premier League
West Bromwich Ablbion v Latics
Hawthorns
Saturday
10/12/11
3pm
Latics v Chelsea
DW Stadium
Saturday
17/12/11
3pm
