It’s gone fairly unnoticed that Wigan have slipped into the Premier League’s bottom three but Roberto Martinez’s side are struggling of late and now they face Arsenal.
It is just one win in seven top flight matches for the Latics, that a last-minute 3-2 triumph over bottom of the table Reading, and Martinez has been unable to prevent his side shipping goals with alarming regularity.
Wigan have conceded two or more in each game during that period and their defensive record at the DW Stadium makes for particularly grim viewing.
Only the beleaguered Royals have shipped more in front of their own fans this term than Martinez’s men, it is 17 against at home already, and Wigan have registered just two wins so far when hosting.
Wigan probably have enough about them to survive but they face a tricky run of games in quick succession over the next fortnight and they won’t be looking forward to facing an Arsenal side so impressive last time out.
There is no doubt it has been a struggle for the Gunners this term but Arsene Wenger still has a mightily talented squad to choose from and he did so to excellent effect at the Madejski Stadium on Monday night.
Inspired by Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla, who scored a hat-trick, Arsenal ran out extremely impressive 5-2 winners over Reading and should be suited once more on their travels against a Wigan side not dissimilar to Brian McDermott’s team.
Arsenal have actually fared OK on the road this term, beaten only at Old Trafford and by an in-form Norwich at Carrow Road, and surely they’ll have taken plenty of confidence from Monday’s win.
I have Wenger’s team much closer to the 1.50 mark and the 1.75 on offer with several bookmakers seems to represent value.
Arsenal won the corresponding fixture 4-0 last December and a similarly comprehensive score line wouldn’t surprise.
3pts Back Arsenal (vs. Wigan) @ 1.75 (various)