Monday night’s clash at Emirates Stadium is a big one for both Arsenal and Wigan Athletic, but perhaps more so for the visiting Latics (Arsenal 7/2, draw 9/2, Wigan 10/1).
Wigan go into the game in North London lurking dangerously above the relegation zone, with just five games left to secure another term in the Premier League.
They hold a two-point lead over third-bottom Bolton Wanderers, having played one game more, and a three-point cushion over out-of form Blackburn Rovers.
With Blackburn and Wolverhampton Wanderers in desperate form and short of points, it looks like one from three for 18th spot.
Inconsistency is a trait of all the sides at the bottom. However, Wigan, as they always tend to do around this stage of the season, have started putting results together.
Roberto Martinez’s side have won three of their last four games, including an historic double – a first Anfield win over Liverpool and a first-ever victory over Manchester United at the DW Stadium. They were also unfortunate in a controversial 2-1 defeat at Chelsea.
There has been a slight shift in emphasis of late, with Wigan less reliant on good football and more willing to roll their sleeves up and work hard for their points.
The midfield pairing of James McCarthy and James McArthur have played a key role in Wigan’s recent resurgence.
Shaun Maloney was the hero in Wednesday’s 1-0 win over United and he is 16/1 to open the scoring against Arsenal.
Skipper Gary Caldwell scored a rare goal in front of the Liverpool Kop last month and the Scot is 14/1 to score at anytime on Monday.
Arsenal need a win for their own reasons. The Gunners have managed to turn a disappointing campaign into a respectable one with nine wins in their last 10 games.
They have leapfrogged rivals Tottenham Hotspur into third spot and will cement a Champions League spot with victory over Wigan.
However, the charge has come too late as far as some Arsenal fans are concerned. Damaging back-to-back defeats to AC Milan and Sunderland ended their hunt for silverware and stretched their trophyless run to seven years.
The Gunners faithful will expect a more successful summer in the transfer market as they bid to return to the top of English and European football.
First things first, they need to secure Champions League football for next season.
Despite Wigan’s resurgence, you would expect the hosts to run out comfortable winners.
They have won their last seven home games in all competitions and should have too much firepower for Wigan. Robin van Persie is the obvious dangerman (first goalscorer 2/1), while defender Thomas Vermaelen represents good value at 14/1.
Wigan can only boast one win from their previous 13 Premier League meetings with Arsenal, but have proved recently that history counts for little.
There is plenty of fight in the Latics side, but they will struggle to contain a rampant Arsenal side on their own patch. It is hard to look past a home victory in this one.
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