Arsenal v Wigan: key battles and line-ups assessed ahead of the match that affects many
“Both teams will go for it, it's a huge game for both of us,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said, which delighted us here at talkSPORT because we are hoping to see a great game at the Emirates. Both the Gunners and FA Cup winners Wigan need to win, the home side to help in their chase for Champions League football and the visitors to help avoid relegation. Ahead of the match, talkSPORT runs the rule over the key battles and potential line-ups...
Defence
Wigan's defensive record will not be happy reading for Tottenham fans, as the Latics have conceded 67 times in the Premier League, the joint highest. However, with the supporters at the Emirates being treated to 65 goals this season, more than at any other stadium, it's difficult not to see more flying in. The Gunners defence has been mean, too, and in the previous nine games, including the 2-0 win at Bayern, the opposition have found the back of the Gunners net just five times.
Midfield
Wigan's midfield and attack is strong and providing they are not too drained from Saturday, they will be difficult for the Gunners to handle. James McCarthy has started all 36 of the Latics' league games this season and Wembley hero Ben Watson will be keen to crack on and help his side to safety having missed much of the season through injury. Arsenal, meanwhile, still have Abou Diaby missing, Jack Wilshere may have to settle for a place on the bench and will undergo a minor ankle operation at the end of the season, though Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla will cause problems.
Attack
Callum McManaman was in sensational form against Man City and after a man-of-the-match display in the 1-0 FA Cup win, has been included in England's U21 European Championship squad, while Shaun Maloney, the Scottish Silva “should be playing for teams fighting for titles,” according to his manager, Roberto Martinez. Maloney has provided goals in vital wins against West Brom in the Premier League and City in the Cup final as he roams about intelligently behind striker Arouna Kone. Wigan have earned more points on the road (18) than they have at the DW Stadium (17) and though Arsenal are unbeaten in their last eight league matches, the Gunners lost to Wigan 2-1 in this fixture last season. Suspended Olivier Giroud sits out his final game, with Lukas Podolski presumably stepping in before his guaranteed substitution.
Predicted line-ups:
Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Arteta, Ramsey; Walcott, Rosicky, Cazorla; Podolski
Wigan: Joel; Boyce, Alcaraz, Scharner; McArthur, McCarthy, Watson, Espinoza; McManaman, Maloney Kone
Verdict
As Wenger said, both teams need this, setting up an exciting match. Arsenal can reclaim fourth spot from Spurs with a win and Wigan can move within a point of 17th placed Sunderland to set up a nervous final day of the season. Both must go for it and Wigan, on a high, will end Arsenal's run of form.
talkSPORT prediction: 1-2
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