Both teams have something left to fight for this season. The only difference is that one team has a lot more firepower available for that fight.
Where: Emirates Stadium, London, England
When: Monday, April 16 at 3 p.m. EDT
Live Stream: Foxsoccer.tv
Recent Meetings
On Dec. 3, 2011, Arsenal smashed Wigan 4-0 at The DW Stadium. Mikel Arteta opened the scoring in the 28th minute, followed by Thomas Vermaelen one minute later. Yao Gervinho and Robin van Persie added two more in the second half, making for a symmetrical and totally dominant performance by the Gunners.
The last time the two met at the Emirates was a similar story. On Jan. 22, 2011, van Persie scored a hat trick to lead the Gunners to a 3-0 win over the Latics.
Player to Watch: Robin van Persie
In a game that promises to be high-scoring and one-sided, van Persie should get on the scoresheet at least once. The 28-year-old has 26 goals in league play this season, putting him at the top of the goalscoring charts.
Fans who play fantasy soccer should make van Persie their captain this weekend. He's due for quite a night against a Wigan team that has given up 57 goals this year.
Key Stats
Speaking of how many goals Wigan gives up, that 57 is good for third-worst in the Premier League. Arsenal has scored 63, which is third-best in the league. Wigan has also failed to score in 11 games, and the Gunners have 11 shutouts so far this season.
All statistical indications point to a lopsided but high-scoring game.
What They're Saying
Despite his club's current position in the league table, Wigan manager Roberto Martinez told BBC that he is convinced the Latics will still be in the Premier League next season:
Arsenal vs Wigan Live Stream
If we perform like we did [against West Brom on Saturday], we'll get enough points. I know that we are a group that can cope with the frustration, and we can perform game after game. We haven't had the rewards for good home performances. It's unfair the players haven't had the credit for the good things they have done on the pitch.
Prediction: Arsenal wins, 3-0
This seems like a no-brainer. It's one of the highest-scoring and lowest-conceding teams in the league (Arsenal) against one of the lowest-scoring and highest-conceding (Wigan)—and a striker the caliber of van Persie against a team that has given up seven goals in their last two meetings.
Anything less than a dominant shutout victory for the Gunners would be a surprise. Ladbrokes has Arsenal winning at 1/5 odds (meaning a $2 bet on Arsenal only results in a 40 cent profit). A Wigan win is at 10/1.
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