Sunday, April 15, 2012

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16.04. (Mon) 21:00 Arsenal - Wigan


PROBABLE LINEUPS

ARSENAL

Szczesny
Sagna, Djourou, Vermaelen, Santos Arteta, Song, Rosicky
Walcott, Van Persie, Benayoun

WIGAN ATHLETIC


Al-HabsiAlcaraz, Caldwell, Figueroa
Boyce, McCarthy, McArthur, Beausejour
Moses, Maloney
Di Santo

Arsenal are missing centre-back Laurent Koscielny, who serves the final game of his suspension for picking up his 10th yellow card of the campaign against Manchester City.

Apart from that, the Gunners are only suffering from the long-term absences of Jack Wilshere, Per Mertesacker (both ankle), Emmanuel Frimpong (knee), Francis Coquelin and Abou Diaby (both hamstring).

Arsene Wenger is likely to stick with the 4-3-3 formation that beat Wolves 0-3.

The Latics are missing Colombian striker Hugo Rodallega once again, but have no fresh injury concerns and are likely to remain unchanged from their 1-0 victory over Manchester United.

DID YOU KNOW?
  • Arsenal have won eight of their last nine matches.
  • The Gunners cruised to a comfortable 4-0 victory over Wigan at the DW Stadium on December 3.
  • Arsenal boast the second best home defence in the league, having only conceded 12 goals compared to Manchester City's 10.
  • Wigan have only beaten their opponents once in their Premier League history, with a historic 3-2 victory at the DW Stadium helping to seal their top-flight survival in April 2010.
  • The Latics are searching for their fourth victory in five league matches, following their impressive 1-0 victory over Manchester United.
  • Of the last six matches Wigan midfielder Shaun Maloney (pictured right) has been involved in, they have lost just once.
Prediction
I believe that this will be a walk in the park for Arsenal, even though Wigan are fighting for their lives. The Latics' form has picked up in recent weeks, but the Gunners are playing some irresistible football themselves and look set to coast to a comfortable victory on their home turf.
Editor's Prediction
Arsenal 3-1 Wigan Athletic