Arsenal v Wigan Athletic
Emirates Stadium
Saturday 19th September '09, Kick Off 3.00pm
Watch
Watch Roberto Martinez's pre-match interview on Latics Player. watch>>
Watch Chris Kirkland on Latcis Player to get his thoughts ahead of his 100th game for Wigan. Watch>>
Don't forget to tune into SoccerAM to see the Latics fans on the show. Full Story here.
Listen
Listen to full match commentary from the Emirates Stadium on Latics Player with team news from 2.45pm and all the action live from 3.00pm.Text the commentary team on 07874 123 993.
Tickets
Tickets are no longer available for this fixture.
Preview
Roberto Martinez takes his Latics side to the Emirates on Saturday as Wigan Athletic continue to look for their first win against the so called "big four." Latics have only managed one draw against Arsenal in the league, one home and one away, so many will argue Wigan are due a win. Can that come this weekend?
The Manager
This game sees Roberto Martinez lock horns with Arsene Wenger for the first time, two managers who both want to play open football.
"It's a glamorous game at the weekend against Arsenal at a fantastic venue, and playing in these kinds of games is why you want to become a footballer," said the gaffer.
"Everyone is excited and looking forward to it and we're all aware of the huge task we've got in front of us. But these types of games allow you to push and test yourself as a team, and the performances we give in these games can be used in the future too.
"We all saw how Arsenal went down 2-0 in the Champions League the other night, but continued to play in the same style throughout the game. In the end they got their reward and it's something you have to admire, there are not many teams who would have that philosophy.
"To see a team as purist as Arsenal are is great for football, and now it's a case of looking forward to the challenge of playing such an exciting team, a team that has been playing that way for many seasons."
Team News
Wigan will have Olivier Kapo available again after he came through a Reserves appearance in midweek against Manchester City, where he was also on the score sheet. The return of Kapo means that Roberto Martinez has a fully fit squad to choose from.
Meanwhile Arsenal look set to continue with third choice 'keeper Vito Mannone who played in Belgium midweek, deputising for Manuel Almunia who was suffering with a chest infection.Arsenal could also still be without Robin Van Persie (knee) and Andre Arshavin (groin).However Theo Walcott, who hasn't appeared for Arsenal this season through a back injury, could be set for a return.
Last Time Out
Arsenal v Standar Liege: Mannone, Vermaelen, Gallas, Clichy (booked), Eboue (Sagna 80), Diaby, Fabregas, Rosicky (Ramsey 70), Song Billong, Eduardo (Wilshere 86), Bendtner.
Unused Substitutes: Szczesny, Silvestre, Gibbs, Watt
Latics v West Ham: Kirkland, Boyce, Bramble (booked), Melchiot, Figueroa (booked), Thomas, Koumas (Scharner 65), N'Zogbia, Gomez (Sinclair 90+2), Diame, Rodallega (Scotland 72).
Unused Substitutes: Pollitt, Edman, Cho, King.
Head to Head
|
|
Arsenal wins |
draws |
Wigan wins |
|
League |
7 |
1 |
0 |
|
League Cup |
2 |
0 |
1 |
|
Total |
9 |
1 |
1 |
Betting
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Video Reaction
Remember to check out Latics Player late on Saturday and through the rest of the weekend to get video reaction on everythin that happens at the Emirates.
Match Officials
Referee: Mike Jones
Assistants: Stephen Artis & Martin Yerby
4th Official: Steve Bennett
Next Match
Wigan Athletic v Chelsea
Saturday 26th October, Kick Off 3.00pm
Wigan Athletic's next game is against Chesea at the DW Stadium next Saturday. Click Here to buy tickets.
