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Since arriving in the Premiership a year and a half ago, Wigan have faced the big four on ten ocassions in the League and have failed to claim even point from any of those games. The Latics have also conceded 25 goals in those games, which doesn't take a genius to notice how poor that record actually is.
Yet in typical Wigan fashion, the Latics and our fans are cautiously optimistic about our chances this Wednesday. This optimism stems from the fact that out of all the top four clubs, it has been Arsenal that Wigan have gained the most success out of.
Last season Wigan gave Arsenal two good games in the league, scoring twice in both games (but still losing sadly). Also, it was Arsenal who Wigan overcame in the Carling Cup semi-final to win the right to face Manchester United in the final, where our inability to beat them ended in a 4-0 defeat.
And with the news that Henry (a major reason we lost both games last season, he scored five of their seven goals scored against us in the league) will not play on Wednesday this is posibly our best chance yet to finally break our big four hodoo.
Speaking to the Official Website, manager Jewell said: "The team is buzzing again and will go into tomorrow's match with no fear, absolutely determined
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It is mixed news for Wigan concerning injuries and suspensions. Emile Heskey returns after his one game suspension, but as one ends, another begins as Paul Scharner (who has scored twice in three games against Arsenal) is suspended.
This opens up some interesting options for Jewell. He could be tempted to simply swap Scharner for either Johansson or Landzaat, but that would leave out Heskey. He could however push Kilbane into the centre, revert McCulloch back to left wing allowing Emile Heskey to return up front with top goalscorer Henri Camara.
Also, Jewell must decide whether Chris Kirkland is mentally okay for tomorrow's game, after being sent to hospital after his collision with Scharner. One player almost certain to miss out however is Valencia, who reportedly had a reocurrance of a past injury, which is why he was substituted five minutes after coming on.
Ones to Watch
Cesc Fabregas pulls the strings for Arsenal, if he has an off day then Wigan have a better chance of winning. Watch out for Van Persie, who has a good goalscoring record against us.
My Prediction
Arsenal are possibly our best chance of beating one of the top four, as they at times are the easiest to play against. If our players stay alert and keep a solid formation, it is possible with Henrys absence to win on Wednesday.
Latics 2 Gunners 2 (hoodoo continues)
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