Arsenal slipped further off the Premiership pace last weekend
and they go into the live Super Sunday clash with Wigan aware that
they cannot afford to drop more points.
Arsene Wenger will have fond memories of Wigan as they were the
last team to play at Highbury, a game which resulted in a 4-2 win
for The Gunners, and the French tactician would gladly accept a
similar result at Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal have an excellent record against Wigan, having won four of
the five meetings between the two sides and in Thierry Henry they
have a striker who has plundered six goals in three appearances
against The Latics.
Aside from last week's draw with Middlesbrough, Arsenal have been
in fine form and Wenger will be hopeful Henry and Emmanuel Adebayor
can combine in the absence of Robin van Persie to secure
victory.
Wenger has a number of concerns, as Alexander Hleb and William
Gallas are out and Philippe Senderos is suspended, while the likes
of Emmanuel Eboue, Fredrik Ljungberg, Abou Diaby and Julio Baptista
need to pass the doctor on Saturday.
Wigan snapped a dire run of results when beating Portsmouth last
week and Paul Jewell will hope for his side to continue in the same
manner.
New boys Julius Aghahowa and Caleb Folan impressed against
Portsmouth and will be keen to get the nod for the trip to North
London, but Emile Heskey is pressing for a recall and Henri Camara
is closing on a return to fitness.
A major concern for Jewell is the fitness of keeper Chris Kirkland
who has been struggling with a shoulder problem and Mike Pollitt
has been recalled from his loan spell at Burnley as a
consequence.
Leighton Baines pulled out of the England Under 21 squad with a
calf complaint, but Jewell is confident he will be fit to take his
place at full-back on Sunday.
Skysports.com Prediction: 3-1
Arsenal's fine run against Wigan to continue.
Player to watch: Tomas Rosicky
