After the mid-week defeat to Manchester City in the Carling Cup, Arsene Wenger will be looking to return to winning ways in Wigan. Whilst the match on Tuesday wasn’t really much of a reflection on his team (very few of the Arsenal first-team actually played), a win would have been a massive boost to the confidence levels at the club, and the loss sees them demoralised at having had another trophy chance drift by the wayside.
There was some cheer for Gunners fans on Tuesday though, with some great individual performances from the likes of Oxlade-Chamberlain and Francis Coquelin. They should also be buoyed by the return of Sebastian Squillaci and Koscielny, who may not add much speed but certainly add some depth to the Arsenal back-line.
Their 1-1 draw at Fulham showed more about their lack of clinical finishing rather than a lack of chances created, and if they manage to create the same 21 chances this time around, you would expect them to walk away with it – especially at lowly Wigan. The Latics are second bottom in the table, and have struggled through the season so far. Because coach Roberto Martinez wants them to play an attacking, short-passing game, they seem to have lost some of their tough tackling, hard working, never-say-die mentality, and are stuck somewhere between the beautiful and brutish game, in no mans land. At least RVP and co should come through unscathed.
As ever all eyes will be on the Dutchman to fire in the goals. Chamakh disappointed again on Tuesday, and gervinho, whilst a willing runner, has yet to set the Premier League on fire. Just give it to Robin….!
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RESULT BET
Arsenal are at 1.57 for the win (Paddy Power). It’s not a bad price, but with Arsenal struggling to smash the goals in, it might well be that a draw is a realistic score, and you could get burnt. I personally think that Arsenal will return to form, and am backing a 3-1 win (12.0 at Ladbrokes).
BEST BET
If you were going to put your house on anything at the moment, you’d stick it on a certain Robin van persie to get amongst the goals. You can get him on anytime goalscorer at 1.57 (Bet Clic) or try your luck at first goalscorer at a tastier 3.75.
As ever, let us know what you’re betting on! :)
Chamakh and Arshavin should be thrown away