Wigan Preview

Evening all,

We are confronted with another big challenge tonight just two days after our monumental win over Chelsea. If we go to the DW Stadium tonight, put on a sloppy showing and come away without the three points the critics will return with the usual abuse. We have got to keep going, put in 100% every game and we will be rewarded. I've stressed it for a long time now. Hard work pays off, we saw that Monday night and we have the right to see more of it. Not just for 45 minutes, not for 80 minutes but for the whole 90. We might win comfortably tonight but if we do, it will be because we worked for it, not because Wigan are a poor side.

We all know what happened last season when we visited the Latics. We were 2-0 up at half-time and coasting. Then the players decided to take the foot off the gas and take it easy for the rest of the game. Big mistake. Wigan pulled a goal back and saw that we were weak. Eventually they equalised and won the game with a late scorcher from N'Zogbia. To be honest I can't see them putting three past us tonight. I really do think we've learned from previous mistakes, its taken a hell of a long time but it looks like the players get the message now.

I mentioned yesterday that Wigan's pitch is generally crap because they share it with the Wigan Warriors (rugby team). We aren't helped by the fact that we've only had a days rest either before we travelled practically the lenght of the country while Wigan have had two days rest and only have to travel a few miles. Strange I know.

Wigan's start to the season was appalling but Martinez has pulled them together and got them playing good football. They don't always get the results but they have the players to give us serious problems. N'Zogbia, when on his game is a real handful. He'll swap flanks throughout the game. Clichy will need similar support to that which he received in the Chelsea game be it Arshavin playing ahead of him or not.

Here's the Arsenal team I reckon we'll see tonight or at least I'd like to see:

Fabianski

Sagna - Squillaci - Koscielny - Clichy

Nasri - Song - Denilson

Walcott - Chamakh - Arshavin

I'm expecting to see a few changes tonight. Two games in two days is a lot to ask of the players. Cesc of course is suspended so Nasri may drop bac into midfield, if not we might see Rosicky in there. Djourou struggles to get two games in a row under his belt these days so I wouldn't be surprised to see a fresh Squillaci come in. Eboue may come in for Sagna, I'm not too sure on that one. Wilshere is bound to be feeling the effects of Monday's game, he gave absolutely everything so Denilson might get the nod there, I wouldn't rule out a start for Diaby either. The front three could be reshuffled. Van Persie isn't quite at his sharpest just yet so Chamakh may replace him. Arshavin may be welcomed back too and I'd like to see Walcott up there again after his amazing display against the Chavs. All this rotating isn't ideal but you have to keep players fresh during this busy period.

As for the Wigan team I expect to see line out:

Al Habsi

Stam - Alcarez (C) - Caldwell - Figueroa

Cleverley - Thomas - Diame - McArthur - N'Zogbia

Rodallega

I'm predicting Martinez will set his side out to keep it tight in midfield to stop us playing  our game. Before we played them earlier this season in the Carling cup at the Emirates, everyone said he would stick to his usual free flowing style but he didn't. They made it difficult for us to break them down and I reckon we'll see a similar tactic tonight. We have to be careful we don't committ too many forward too, they have players like Cleverley, Rodallega and N'Zogbia as I mentioned who can all cause damage. All three are on form so it will be interesting to see how we cope against them. This could well be one of those games where we have to scrap for three points. If it is then so be it, the players should be well used to it by now.

Elsewhere Aaron Ramsey looks set to start for Nottingham Forest tonight as they take on Derby County. Luckily for him, Robbie Savage is suspended so there is some hope that he will come out in one piece. We all wish him the best ahead of the game.

There's not much else going on this Wednesday evening. Let's hope for a comfortable three points tonight with no injuries. I could be back tonight with a match report, if not then tomorrow.
Till then.