Wigan Preview - Colorado Friendly Causes Injury Problems

Sunday’s tie is likely to be a close affair and Wigan will be desperate to get 3 points on board to give them distance over the bottom 3. Arséne Wenger’s side however, will want to extend their lead at the top of the table to 4 points, Man United will have a game in hand as they play Portsmouth in the FA Cup on Saturday.

The Arsenal team news is interesting, after a friendly against our friends from America - Colorado Rapids, Diaby and Walcott sustained injuries which will keep them out the Wigan game according to Le Boss.

Robin van Persie played an hour in the behind closed doors friendly, and is unlikely to start at Wigan but will probably make the bench.

As for Wigan, they have a fully fit squad to choose from with Ryan Taylor and Kevin Kilbane back from injury. Their biggest threat you ask? Marlon King is a giant of a foward and causes all sorts of trouble for defenders, Emile Heskey’s rugged style always tests the Arsenal defence and you can expect the same for Sunday.

Arsenal Predicted Line Up:

-Almunia-
-Sagna-Senderos-Gallas-Clichy-
-Fabregas-Flamini-Gilberto-Hleb-
-Adebayor-Bendtner-

Wigan Predicted Line Up:

-Kirkland-
-Melchiot-Scharner-Bramble-Edman-
-Palacios-Koumas-Brown-Valencia-
-Heskey-King-

Manager’s Views:

Arséne Wenger:

“It will be a big test because they play not to go down,” said Wenger. “We expect a big commitment. They are under pressure like we are under pressure, so we are both in the same conditions.

“I’ve heard from reporters that their pitch is not like the Emirates. But I like England because to be champions here you have to go from Milan to Wigan - and win the game. It’s a completely different kind of game but you have to find always a response to what you face.”

Steve Bruce (On Whether He’s Settle For A Draw):

“We would take that now I am sure, especially after the performance that they produced at AC Milan in midweek.

“I was sitting watching and thinking it’s as a good a performance as I have seen from a British team abroad.

“But that is the beauty of being in the Premier League - you get your moments against them.”

My View:

I’d expect a win at the JJB, Wigan’s pitch is in terrible condition and that could interupt our fast flowing football, but i feel with Ade and Bendtner upfront we have a big chance to get those 3 points in the bag.

My Score Prediction: Wigan 1-3 Arsenal

(Take a look at this fantastic article  from ‘World of Arsenal’ blog, it shows us the title run in and who will be the likely winners of the league this season - top article)

Expect a big match report on Sunday evening… Come On You Gunners!

Ade Linked With Milan

Ade Pic from Football.co.uk

Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor told a French radio station ”we will see” when questioned about a possible move to current Champions League holders AC Milan.

Ade was giving an phone interview with popular French radio ‘RMC (Radio Monté Carlo)’ and was interviewed by Rolland Courbis (who is good friends with Milan’s president). Courbis said ”Milan will be your next club” as a joke, Ade laughed embarrasingly and replied “On Verra” which translates into English as “We will see”.

This news comes as Milan got knocked out of the Champions League with Ade getting on the scoresheet in the final minute of that game as well as putting in a superb performance upfront.

Does this mean Ade will depart at the end of the season? Was Rolland Courbis hinting at a possible move, maybe even setting up a deal?

Those questions will need to be answered soon. For those of you that understand French the interview on French podcast “After Foot”can be downloaded here (The Interview with Ade starts at 1 hour 6 minutes)

Wigan Preview Coming Later….