Wigan Preview

By: Martin | September 18th, 2009

Wigan Athletic

Last Season: 11th, 12-9-17 (45 points, -11 goal differential)

Recent Form: WLLLW

Away Form (last season): 4-4-11

Last Meeting: Wigan Athletic 1-Arsenal 4 (4/11/09)

Back to league action tomorrow with a home matchup against Wigan. Especially after the poor display on Wednesday, you don’t want to be too overconfident, but you have to think this is a match we should definitely be winning. Wigan had a surprisingly strong season last year, spending most of 2008-2009 in the top half of the table and playing some good football under Steve Bruce.

However, Bruce has moved on to Sunderland, he’s taken Lee Cattermole with him, Wilson Palacios is off to Spurs, Antonio Valencia off to Manchester United, Emile Heskey to Aston Villa, and Amr Zaki back to Egypt. While new manager Roberto Martinez did a great job at Swansea and could do very well at Wigan, he’ll need at least a year or two to rebuild it into a top-half side. This season, their goals are simply to develop as a team and avoid relegation.

Their record away from the JJB last season was considerably less than stellar, as well. Still, they’re a solid side at the back. Kirkland is a fine keeper, and can keep them in a lot of games. Titus Bramble’s metamorphosis from laughingstock to quality defender has continued with some fine play this season, and combines with Emmerson Boyce to make things difficult for opposing attackers. However, their attack is pretty suspect–they generally play Hugo Rodallega alone up top and concentrate on keeping tight at the back, and have only managed 4 goals so far in 5 league games.

Since our defense has had a bit of a problem keeping the ball out of the net lately, this might be just what the doctor ordered. A home game against a team not really looking to attack to reorganize and regain some confidence.

In team news, van Persie is expected to be available again tomorrow, but Arshavin and Almunia will not be available. The big question is whether Wenger will opt for three strikers or play a 4-4-2. Maybe it’s wishful thinking, but I’m guessing a 4-3-3:

Mannone

Sagna-Gallas-Vermaelen-Clichy

Rosicky-Song-Fabregas

Bendtner-van Persie-Eduardo

If he goes for a 4-4-2, though, one of the strikers will start out on the bench and presumably Diaby will start on the left. Frankly, given that Wigan’s strategy is going to be to try to hold out for the 0-0 draw, it might not be a bad move to give Song a rest and start Diaby in the middle to give us a little more attacking skill and creativity.

Here’s to a much needed 3 points. Come on Arsenal.