Arsenal v Latics 1/4 Final Preview

Latics are back in London 3 days after their incredibly lacklustre display against West Ham, anything less than a top performance against Arsenal in this Carling Cup ¼ final tie will see Martinez and team head back up north with nothing but a hiding to show.

The one draw that nobody wanted was what Wigan got and the joy of sending Swansea and their noisy supporters back to South Wales was short lived as Latics fans realised that if cup success was going to be tasted this season then it had to be done the hard way.

It`s five years since Latics made it all the way to the final in this competition and in the process of reaching that final back in February 2006 Arsenal were dispatched at the semi-final stage, so it can be done.

Some would say forfeit cup success to concentrate on the league, I say winning is both a habit and infectious, let`s see if we can`t get the habit started tonight.

Latics boss Roberto Martinez:

'We all know that whoever plays for Arsenal, they are going to play in a very specific way.'

'They are fascinating to watch, they are really entertaining. They are just masters at it, they are just fantastic at it.'

'We know they are going to be a difficult team and all we want is to work hard as a team, do what we have to do and then make sure we create problems for Arsenal as well.'

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger:


'We will play with a strong team'

'But don't forget that we have played every three days for one and a half months so I have to see how we recover and who I rest [on] Tuesday.

'But we will play with a strong team. You will see regular players.'

Cesc Fabregas is out but Robin Van Persie could feature

Pace to hurt

McCarthy, Boyce, Rodallega and Cleverley not available. Gary Caldwell and Antolin ALcaraz could return

Surely Moses is destined for a start

Latics and Arsenal have met previously 13 times

Latics 2 wins, Arsenal 10, draws 1

Last Six Meetings

18/04/2010 - Premier League - Latics 3 Arsenal 2
19/09/2009 - Premier League - Arsenal 4 Latics 0
11/04/2009 - Premier League - Latics 1 Arsenal 4
06/12/2008 - Premier League - Arsenal 1 Latics 0
11/11/2008 - League Cup - Arsenal 3 Latics 0
09/02/2008 - Premier League - Latics - Arsenal 0

Martin Atkinson

See our very good Meet the Ref article

Head says Arsenal to win

Heart says Latics after extra time...come on boys, Wembley calls

Premier League

Latics v Stoke City
DW Stadium
Saturday
4/12/10 3pm

Win tickets for Latics v Stoke click here for details

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