wigan athletic vs arsenal match preview 22/12/2012
Venue and Timings
The match kicks off at Emirates on Saturday, December 22nd, 2012 at 1245 hours BST (1745 hours PST and 1815 hours IST).
Team News
Wigan
Piscu has picked up a hamstring injury and could be out for ten months. This has added to Wigan’s defence injuries list.
Ramis, Caldwell and Alcaraz remain injured and out of form so David Jones could be played on the defence. However, considering Jones’ form, it would be better to play one of the injured men then him.
James McCarthy had picked up a foot injury against Norwich and he might not be available for this fixture.
Arsenal
Theo Walcott’s position could be interesting to watch. Though originally a winger, Walcott wants to play as a centre-forward and when he was played there, his form was noticeable.
Santi Cazorla scored a hat-trick against Reading and his form will be to watch out for.
Podolski has began to peform better as well so Arsenal could be looking out for a win.
Recent Meetings
|
Arsenal 1 – 2 Wigan |
|
Wigan 0 – 4 Arsenal |
|
Arsenal 3 – 0 Wigan |
|
Wigan 2 – 2 Arsenal |
|
Arsenal 2 – 0 Wigan |
Star Man
Santiago Cazorla (Arsenal) : The 28-year-old Spanish central attacking midfielder is not an easy one to handle for any defence. Cazorla’s fatal long shots are unstoppable. He has mentionable crossing, passing and dribbling skills which eventually lead him to assisting goals – or even scoring them. He can take direct free kicks and set-pieces and his midfield indicts make him troublesome for the other side. With him in the squad, Arsenal have a majorly strong midfield. Cazorla has scored a number of goals now and in his last match, he scored a hat-trick. He has scored 7 goals and made 5 assists in 23 appearances in all competitions.
James McArthur (Wigan Athletic): The 25-year old central midfielder will provide a good amount of threat to Arsenal’s defence. In the 10 appearances he has made, he has scored one goal for his team. However, his form and participation in the game due to his passing and aeriel duels makes him a threat. He can play a bit of defensive roal by strongly blocking the ball.
My prediction: 3 – 1 to Arsenal. Arsenal’s attacking form has been quite mentionable last week after they thrashed Reading by scoring 5 goals against them. Wigan have several injury issues and their defence is the most affected part of their team so Arsenal will give them a tough time.
If your going to comment about Arsenal games, at least get your facts straight. Arsenal are playing away to Wigan.