Rob's Prediction: Wigan V Arsenal

Wigan got a good win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day and were out of the relegation zone - now Wigan are back in it and need a result to get away from the relegation zone. Arsenal on the other hand have recently acquired a 3-1 success over Chelsea - whose season is in dire risk of falling out completely.

For the game tonight, Arsenal captain Francesc Fabregas is suspended and Arsenal could miss his artistry in midfield - nevertheless, Arsenal still have plenty of talent at their disposal so I can't imagine he would be missed very much in all honesty.

Wigan welcome back Maynor Figueroa whom Steve Gohouri deputised for in the Wolves match due to Figueroa's suspension. Also, Hendry Thomas returns and could be the powerhouse that could take on Arsenal's midfielders. He will need to be at his best alongside Diame if they are to get anything from what is a very tricky fixture on paper.

Arsenal have come off the back of a 3-1 success to Chelsea and this was the first time in a few attempts that Arsenal have defeated their London rivals, meaning that the Gunners could be serious candidates for winning the title this season and Theo Walcott has already stressed the importance of a victory tonight to get pace on Manchester United, who slipped up and could only manage a controversial 1-1 draw with Birmingham City last night, in which Lee Bowyer scored a 90th minute goal after Dimitar Berbatov had put United ahead.

This is such an important game for the Latics who need to start picking up points to move away from the relegation zone - unfortunately history is not on Wigan's side as Arsenal have a far greater record against us than we do against them.

ROB'S PREDICTION
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No Fabregas in the midfield should provide an added incentive for Wigan tonight but Arsenal's midfield is full of dynamos and they know only a victory would propel them to the top of the pack tonight. A win for Wigan would mean getting back out of the relegation zone. However, I think that I have to say tonight won't be Wigan's night.

Wigan 0 Arsenal 3

ROB'S FINAL WORD
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Wigan have a massive home game against Newcastle at the weekend and its a game in which they simply must win. Nevertheless, I do still think we are capable of beating the dreadful drop and Birmingham and West Brom are right in the thick of it all now. The bottom three for me are West Brom, Birmingham and Wolves. Whatever happens, UP THE LATICS!!!

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