Preview: Latics to out gun the Gunners?

Last updated : 09 February 2007 By Liam Cooper
It is another important weeke in Wigan's bid to survive the drop, more so due to who our closest rivals are playing rather than who we face ourselves.
Folan Caleb: Yet to score for Latics


West Ham United enter a crucial period in their season which could make or break their survival bid. The Hammers face Watford at home on Saturday, and Charlton face the unenviable task of going to OldTrafford.

If both lose, Wigan will still have their five point cushion going into Sunday's televised game against Arsenal. However if either win, it would put added pressure on Jewell's troops as the gap will be cut to two points.

Then, prior to next weekends fixtures, with Wigan again playing on a Sunday, Wigan travel down to Watford for their crucial clash with the basement side. By the time of Newcastle, Wigan could be eight points clear.

Following that midweek match, Charlton and West Ham clash on the weekend, with a draw the best result for the Latics.

Before all that, Jewell must orchestrate his own miracle, by inflicting Arsenals first defeat at the Emirates since leaving the famous Highbury stadium.

It is also a chance to end another unwanted record, Wigan's inability to take any points off a top four team since reaching the Premiership last season.

The Latics came close to ending that run against Arsenal, when on a cold
Safe Hands: Kirkland expected to play
December night, the London club stole the points thanks to a late Adebayor goal.

Manager Paul Jewell knows that it is a tough task to get anything at the Emirates, but hopes new signing Caleb Folan can continue to make an impact, and score his first goal for his new club.

"Caleb did very well at Reading and against Portsmouth. He has a lot of potential, he is a good size, has a good presence and decent feet.

"There is a lot to work on, but he is hungry and keen and will be a lot for defenders to handle as he showed in his first two games."


Despite takign a knock in training earlier in the week, Folan is expected to feature in some way on Sunday. His inclusion depends on fellow strikers Emile Heskey and Henri Camara, who are both nearing returns to the first team.

Stand-in skipper Leighton Baines hopes to be fit for Sunday, after pulling out of the Under 21s game against Spain. First chioce 'Keeper Chris Kirkland did similar with the senior squad, but Jewell has recalled fellow stopper Mike Pollitt from his loan spell at Burnley as a precaution.

Ones to Watch

Where do you start. Thierry Henry is in great form since returning, and youngster Cesc Fabregas is always a danger. Luckily for us, Van Persie is injured, bu the Beast Baptiste is a handful in his place. Then of course, you have Rosicky.

Pundits Prediction

Sky Sports go for a 3-1 Arsenal victory, can't complain there, while our favourite Mark Lawrenson goes for a 2-0 victory to the Gunners.

My Prediction

Can't see us getting anything out of this game, I am looking more towards Watford away in midweek as a crucial relegation encounter.

Gunners 2 Latics 1