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Date:Saturday April 11 2009
Time: 6:30AM
UK time is: 08:00:36
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Wigan vs. Arsenal
JJB Stadium
11/4/09
15:00
Wigan v. Arsenal
Arsenal enters a crucial and defining week in their season tomorrow. Attitude and preparation will be very important. Last year, Arsenal went to Wigan after demolishing AC Milan and assumed since they showed up, Wigan would roll over. The match proved to be crucial in our downfall that season. The right state of mind tomorrow will be needed to see off an 8th place Wigan.
Vital Quotes:
Arsene is focused on the end of the season. 'I believe that we do not want to focus too much on that [the injuries to his players],' said Wenger.
'We are on a strong run in the League and we want to keep that going. We did that without the injured players and that`s why I believe we have improved as a team and we have shown strong mental strength.
I believe as well we want to focus on the short term and not focus too much on the past. You have seen that in every single game we play at the moment we must be 100 per cent - if you are just a little bit off your best you get punished.'
Wenger also spoke of his well known fondness of great team play. 'I think what is important is that the team has a good collective performance,' said the manager.
'I am confident we can score goals, we did before anyway. What is important to us this time is that we`re a team who are relying on the quality of our passing and collective play.'
Wigan Team News:
For the Latics, they have no injuries of note to report. Though, Cho Won-hee is out for the season with a knee injury. Amir Zaki will not be involved, but that is not due to an injury. Zaki did not returned from Egypt after the international break.
Lee Cattermole, who has been Mr.Consistent for Wigan, is suspended.
Player to watch: Titus Bramble
Bramble has always been heavily criticized, but he always bounces back. This season has been his best ever. He has become the lynchpin in the Wigan defense. On Saturday he will face an in form Adebayor, which will be a crucial battle and will certainly be entertaining to watch.
Arsenal Team News:
Arsenal really came back from Spain battered and bruised. William Gallas has torn his medial ligament and is out for the season. Almunia has aggravated his ankle injury thanks to the disgusting tackle by Diouf. Also Gael Clichy is out for two or three weeks. Those are two or three decsive matches. Djourou, Fabianski, and Gibbs will step in for those players respectively. Abou Diaby is out as well, but van Persie and Eduardo will most likely be on the bench. In other news, despite reports linking Thomas Rosicky with a reserve fixture, Arsene has revealed Thomas is no where near ready to return.
Predicted Starting XI: Fabianski, Sagna, Toure, Djourou, Gibbs, Walcott, Denilson, Fabregas, Arshavin, van Persie, Adebayor
Player to watch: Kieran Gibbs
Gibbs has showed so much promise so far this season. He fits in perfectly with the previous two left backs to come through the Arsenal academy. He is lightning fast and loves to get forward. He has one game to get his form back before being baptized by fire against Villarreal and Chelsea.
Match Facts & Stats
Wigan have never beaten a big 4 team
Wigan have been shutout 5 out of the last 6 games against Arsenal.
Almunia is the only Arsenal player to have started every EPL match this season. This will come to an end on Saturday.
Ref Watch:
Alan Wiley will be the head official for this match. He has managed twenty-two fixtures this season, handing out 60 yellows and 2 reds. This gives him a 2.82 card per game average.
Match Prediction:
I think we will be boosted by the return of van Persie and Arsenal will be up for the challenge. I will say 2-0 to the Arsenal, with Adebayor and van Persie scoring.
Next Fixtures:
15/4 (Wed)- Villarreal (H)- Champions League
18/4 (Sat)- Chelsea (N)- FA Cup
21/4 (Tue)- Liverpool (A)- Premier League
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Your Comments
I'm very worried about this week and the injuries to Gallas, Almunia and Clichy just as 2 of the biggest matches of our whole season approach with the speed of an express train. Make no mistake, despite last weekend's result at Goodison, Wigan are having a great season under Bruce and I'd have been happier not having to go to the JJB the weekend following a draining Euro game in Spain. TBH if we get a win today, I'd be impressed.
julieloveshenry4ever
I'm very worried about this week and the injuries to Gallas, Almunia and Clichy just as 2 of the biggest matches of our whole season approach with the speed of an express train. Make no mistake, despite last weekend's result at Goodison, Wigan are having a great season under Bruce and I'd have been happier not having to go to the JJB the weekend following a draining Euro game in Spain. TBH if we get a win today, I'd be impressed.
julieloveshenry4ever
I think this could be a defining moment as to who may qualify for the champions league. A win for us I believe would be a massive blow for Villa (on top of that last minute defeat last weekend) a defeat and it has them still believeing. I hope the boys go out there today and nail this one.
iceman10
I think this could be a defining moment as to who may qualify for the champions league. A win for us I believe would be a massive blow for Villa (on top of that last minute defeat last weekend) a defeat and it has them still believeing. I hope the boys go out there today and nail this one.
iceman10
No away fixture is comfortable but having Cesc and Ade back at this time of the season, as well as Arshavin, could prove crucial. Villa have Everton at home and I can see them dropping points there. This is such a difficult game to call because of the extertions mid-week but at least we played on Tuesday and have had 3 full days to recover. Also, the 4-0 defeat by Everton may serve has dampening Wigan's confidence. I'm gutted about Clichy, I actually felt that he was coming back to form and his fitness is unbeliavable.
Gooner_Vin
No away fixture is comfortable but having Cesc and Ade back at this time of the season, as well as Arshavin, could prove crucial. Villa have Everton at home and I can see them dropping points there. This is such a difficult game to call because of the extertions mid-week but at least we played on Tuesday and have had 3 full days to recover. Also, the 4-0 defeat by Everton may serve has dampening Wigan's confidence. I'm gutted about Clichy, I actually felt that he was coming back to form and his fitness is unbeliavable.
Gooner_Vin
Winning is a habit this team has rediscovered since the loss to Man City, and I share Wenger's optimism that the team will retain their focus and successfully navigate the coming fixtures. We have enough and more to deal with Wigan, and I believe we will.
deledudu
Winning is a habit this team has rediscovered since the loss to Man City, and I share Wenger's optimism that the team will retain their focus and successfully navigate the coming fixtures. We have enough and more to deal with Wigan, and I believe we will.
deledudu
Seriuosly man, you have to be joking naming Titus Bramble there one to watch. Unless you mean purely for entertainment value. . . . .
d11gunner
Seriuosly man, you have to be joking naming Titus Bramble there one to watch. Unless you mean purely for entertainment value. . . . .
d11gunner
d11gunner, obviously you havent seen too much of our Titus this season, to say he has been awesome would be an understatement.
worbo
d11gunner, obviously you havent seen too much of our Titus this season, to say he has been awesome would be an understatement.
worbo
This week is a tough one, however I feel it will be the one that will enable players such as Djourou, Fabianski, and Gibbs to cement their places in this and future Great Arsenal teams. Theri ability does not worry me but i have some reservations about the pitch seeing as it has just been used for a game of rugby. I feel sure someone must talk to clubs with poor grounds and demand they be upgrade to a certain standard and I dont just mean size. If clubs do not respond then they lose points. Football has moved on from the days when cricket football and rugby were all played on the same ground. As a person who keeps annoying LD about Tommy curious where you obtained the following quote 'Arsene has revealed Thomas is no where near ready to return"? And I am not suggesting for one moment that you may have embellished a statement issued by the club.
alwaysgunner
This week is a tough one, however I feel it will be the one that will enable players such as Djourou, Fabianski, and Gibbs to cement their places in this and future Great Arsenal teams. Theri ability does not worry me but i have some reservations about the pitch seeing as it has just been used for a game of rugby. I feel sure someone must talk to clubs with poor grounds and demand they be upgrade to a certain standard and I dont just mean size. If clubs do not respond then they lose points. Football has moved on from the days when cricket football and rugby were all played on the same ground. As a person who keeps annoying LD about Tommy curious where you obtained the following quote 'Arsene has revealed Thomas is no where near ready to return"? And I am not suggesting for one moment that you may have embellished a statement issued by the club.
alwaysgunner
"Tomas Rosicky, at the moment, is not close to coming back. We have to be very patient there as well," Thats the quote I read so its pretty close.
iceman10
"Tomas Rosicky, at the moment, is not close to coming back. We have to be very patient there as well," Thats the quote I read so its pretty close.
iceman10
Theo interview... good read.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1169095/THEO-WALCOTT-TALKS-TO-MATT-LAWTON-On-shoulder-injury-Henry-bulking-quicker-ever.html
NeoGunner
Theo interview... good read.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1169095/THEO-WALCOTT-TALKS-TO-MATT-LAWTON-On-shoulder-injury-Henry-bulking-quicker-ever.html
NeoGunner
Yes Bramble is a player to watch. Everytime I've seen Wigan this season he has been fantastic. 10 mins in and he has dominated Bendtner.
gunnerkid107
Yes Bramble is a player to watch. Everytime I've seen Wigan this season he has been fantastic. 10 mins in and he has dominated Bendtner.
gunnerkid107
Bendtner so far doesn't look like he is up to the game..he should have blocked that goal at least!
CoastarianGooner
Bendtner so far doesn't look like he is up to the game..he should have blocked that goal at least!
CoastarianGooner
Fabianski should of done better there
paul_ownz
Fabianski should of done better there
paul_ownz
Depressing, just depressing, poor young Johan. He had played so well but then had to give his place to Kolo, then now he finally had a chance to play, he got injured. Sighhhhhhh
GoonerLou
Depressing, just depressing, poor young Johan. He had played so well but then had to give his place to Kolo, then now he finally had a chance to play, he got injured. Sighhhhhhh
GoonerLou
At least we know that Sagna can play at LB too when need be (Eboue to slot in RB).
CoastarianGooner
At least we know that Sagna can play at LB too when need be (Eboue to slot in RB).
CoastarianGooner
IMO, AW needs to replace Song with Nasri so that Arshavin comes in attack.
CoastarianGooner
IMO, AW needs to replace Song with Nasri so that Arshavin comes in attack.
CoastarianGooner
I was hoping for Arsene to send on Nasri/RvP/Ade and use Song to replace Djourou but he wanted Silvestre. I just hope we can penetrate a bit more and take our chances.
GoonerLou
I was hoping for Arsene to send on Nasri/RvP/Ade and use Song to replace Djourou but he wanted Silvestre. I just hope we can penetrate a bit more and take our chances.
GoonerLou
GL, I think its better to use Silvestre today as a warm up for CL game.
CoastarianGooner
GL, I think its better to use Silvestre today as a warm up for CL game.
CoastarianGooner
I feel like out of the 55 mins so far, I've only seen 20 mins' worth of football. The rest was injury time and throws. COME ON YOU GUNNERS!!
GoonerLou
well, if we send out a team with zero consistent goal-scorers we cannot expect to win...
TPowell
I feel like out of the 55 mins so far, I've only seen 20 mins' worth of football. The rest was injury time and throws. COME ON YOU GUNNERS!!
GoonerLou
well, if we send out a team with zero consistent goal-scorers we cannot expect to win...
TPowell
TTTHHHHHHHHEEEOEOOOOOOO!!!
GoonerLou
TTTHHHHHHHHEEEOEOOOOOOO!!!
GoonerLou
The way AA still managed to smuggle the ball to Theo when he's down and surrounded by defenders was brilliant!! :D
GoonerLou
The way AA still managed to smuggle the ball to Theo when he's down and surrounded by defenders was brilliant!! :D
GoonerLou
Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy! Now let's go for a winner!!!..Manure have conceived!!..it will be good if they draw or lose as that will affect their game against Porto and hopefully not facing them ;)
CoastarianGooner
Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy! Now let's go for a winner!!!..Manure have conceived!!..it will be good if they draw or lose as that will affect their game against Porto and hopefully not facing them ;)
CoastarianGooner
YYAYAYYAYAYAYYY 'no consistent goal-scorers' eh! I'm very very happy for the unusual names on the scoresheet today!! :D
GoonerLou
YYAYAYYAYAYAYYY 'no consistent goal-scorers' eh! I'm very very happy for the unusual names on the scoresheet today!! :D
GoonerLou
WOW!! Silvestre!!!!!..by the way, i talked too soon abt Manure, that Marcheda lad has done it again so far...and Chelski/Bolton game is turning to an exciting end...Bolton have scored 3 after conceiving 4!!! Scousers must be getting hope from this game LOL..frankly I want Chelski to be eliminated from CL before playing them in FA semi-final!
CoastarianGooner
WOW!! Silvestre!!!!!..by the way, i talked too soon abt Manure, that Marcheda lad has done it again so far...and Chelski/Bolton game is turning to an exciting end...Bolton have scored 3 after conceiving 4!!! Scousers must be getting hope from this game LOL..frankly I want Chelski to be eliminated from CL before playing them in FA semi-final!
CoastarianGooner
GL..now we need Sagna to score and Almunia too so that it makes the whole of first team getting at least a goal in a season! Its a nice record to make IMO ;)
CoastarianGooner
GL..now we need Sagna to score and Almunia too so that it makes the whole of first team getting at least a goal in a season! Its a nice record to make IMO ;)
CoastarianGooner
Hmm CG, but if Chelsea get eliminated, they'd be even more fired up for the FAC... I don't mind them knocking Liverpool out, Barca will take care of them in the next round. But the FAC is a realistic chance for us!
GoonerLou
Hmm CG, but if Chelsea get eliminated, they'd be even more fired up for the FAC... I don't mind them knocking Liverpool out, Barca will take care of them in the next round. But the FAC is a realistic chance for us!
GoonerLou
Well GL, if they get eliminated they won't be fired up but depressed because the first game has almost assured their qualification.
CoastarianGooner
Well GL, if they get eliminated they won't be fired up but depressed because the first game has almost assured their qualification.
CoastarianGooner
That's a true possibility, but Hiddink is capable of motivating them it seems. I don't know, I can't look beyond this game and can't wait for the ref to blow the final whistle NOW really!!
GoonerLou
That's a true possibility, but Hiddink is capable of motivating them it seems. I don't know, I can't look beyond this game and can't wait for the ref to blow the final whistle NOW really!!
GoonerLou
haha, I spoke too soon Lou!
TPowell
haha, I spoke too soon Lou!
TPowell
I'd voted for AA in the "key men" poll in the thread. What a class player!!
GoonerLou
I'd voted for AA in the "key men" poll in the thread. What a class player!!
GoonerLou
Happy st Totts!
iceman10
Happy st Totts!
iceman10
Unbelievable!!!! After first half I did not expect 4-1 to us!!! Well done boys...bring on the Yellow Submarine and we tear them apart!!! Nice to see AA and Song score ;)
CoastarianGooner
Unbelievable!!!! After first half I did not expect 4-1 to us!!! Well done boys...bring on the Yellow Submarine and we tear them apart!!! Nice to see AA and Song score ;)
CoastarianGooner
I spoke too soon too lol! I kept wanting the ref to blow the whistle at 2-1, wow what a turnaround!! :D :D :D Still worried about Djourou though...
GoonerLou
I spoke too soon too lol! I kept wanting the ref to blow the whistle at 2-1, wow what a turnaround!! :D :D :D Still worried about Djourou though...
GoonerLou
Yay Happy St. Totteringham's Day!!! :D
GoonerLou
Yay Happy St. Totteringham's Day!!! :D
GoonerLou
I just watched highlight of Manure's game..man!! they were all sloppy..with that display I don't see them getting past Porto..Sunderland could have easily drew the game!
CoastarianGooner
I just watched highlight of Manure's game..man!! they were all sloppy..with that display I don't see them getting past Porto..Sunderland could have easily drew the game!
CoastarianGooner
well Lou, if Djourou is out for awhile, we'll be needing to score 4 a game!
TPowell
happy days all round today :D
123spurs
well Lou, if Djourou is out for awhile, we'll be needing to score 4 a game!
TPowell
happy days all round today :D
123spurs
Hehehe GL..that's the fun of football...anything can happen in any second!! if anything we fail to learn every time is to wait until the final whistle is blown before we talk..hehehe...Happy St. Totteringham's Day :)
CoastarianGooner
Hehehe GL..that's the fun of football...anything can happen in any second!! if anything we fail to learn every time is to wait until the final whistle is blown before we talk..hehehe...Happy St. Totteringham's Day :)
CoastarianGooner
Well Done to The Arsenal, who would have bet on us winning let alone 1:4 after a very poor 1st half.
hackneyval
Well Done to The Arsenal, who would have bet on us winning let alone 1:4 after a very poor 1st half.
hackneyval
You bloody beauties what a turn around. Well done lads well done. Now i can sleep easy. Iceman i concur I hadn't seen the quote but did on A.C.. I still Hope LD is wrong but even now I am starting to doubt if Tommy will be back I do hope he is.
alwaysgunner
You bloody beauties what a turn around. Well done lads well done. Now i can sleep easy. Iceman i concur I hadn't seen the quote but did on A.C.. I still Hope LD is wrong but even now I am starting to doubt if Tommy will be back I do hope he is.
alwaysgunner
WAHOOO!!!!
Tom14
WAHOOO!!!!
Tom14
Anyone else think that Song looked exposed without Denilson? The guy is clearly good at certain things, but sitting back, positional play and marking are not his strong points. Hope he does not play at CB, never liked him there.
Tom14
Anyone else think that Song looked exposed without Denilson? The guy is clearly good at certain things, but sitting back, positional play and marking are not his strong points. Hope he does not play at CB, never liked him there.
Tom14
so that's 5 assists in 3 games for Cesc by my count... what a player.
TPowell
so that's 5 assists in 3 games for Cesc by my count... what a player.
TPowell
Yeah TP, but I was saying 'what a player' to AA too! I've lost count of his assists. For him, Chelsea in the FAC will be a big game and the first chance to face his Russia manager, surely he'll be fired up (and encouraged by Bolton's goals today lol)! Can't wait!!
GoonerLou
Yeah TP, but I was saying 'what a player' to AA too! I've lost count of his assists. For him, Chelsea in the FAC will be a big game and the first chance to face his Russia manager, surely he'll be fired up (and encouraged by Bolton's goals today lol)! Can't wait!!
GoonerLou
Tbph it could have been far worse - we couldn't complain if the ref gave Gibbs a red card for that John Terry moment! PHEW!
GoonerLou
Tbph it could have been far worse - we couldn't complain if the ref gave Gibbs a red card for that John Terry moment! PHEW!
GoonerLou
Everyone keeps telling Nicklas is s*** but hes scored more PL goals that Spurs 14 million pound man pavlychenko but no1 makes such a fuss about him.
gunner24
Everyone keeps telling Nicklas is s*** but hes scored more PL goals that Spurs 14 million pound man pavlychenko but no1 makes such a fuss about him.
gunner24
O ye men of little faith! Thats one out of three, we take care of business with Villareal midweek, stuff Chelski at Wembley, job done!
deledudu
O ye men of little faith! Thats one out of three, we take care of business with Villareal midweek, stuff Chelski at Wembley, job done!
deledudu
G24, thing is, you always expect a Spuddie to be crap, an Arsenal player is expected to play Wengerball! The difference between expectation and reality is disappointment. If Bendtner was playing in some other team, the same deluded fans who constantly boo and deride him would be busy raving about some brilliant young prospect that Wenger must sign!
deledudu
G24, thing is, you always expect a Spuddie to be crap, an Arsenal player is expected to play Wengerball! The difference between expectation and reality is disappointment. If Bendtner was playing in some other team, the same deluded fans who constantly boo and deride him would be busy raving about some brilliant young prospect that Wenger must sign!
deledudu
Indeed TP, some credit is also due to AA who gave 6 assists and 2 goals in his 8 league games for us!!
GoonerLou
Indeed TP, some credit is also due to AA who gave 6 assists and 2 goals in his 8 league games for us!!
GoonerLou
I hope Djourou is not badly injured, just as we need him due to the other injuries, that have occured recently.
hackneyval
I hope Djourou is not badly injured, just as we need him due to the other injuries, that have occured recently.
hackneyval
shocking decision not to send off gibbs would of changed the game totally
123spurs
shocking decision not to send off gibbs would of changed the game totally
123spurs
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