Wigan Athletic v Arsenal: Squad sheets - The Guardian

Theo Walcott, whose contract saga continues to rumble on, could again start in a central attacking role for Arsenal at the DW Stadium after scoring in the club's recent 5-2 victory at Reading. Arsène Wenger has no new injury concerns and a win in Saturday's early kick-off would move Arsenal temporarily into third. Roberto Martínez, who Wenger believes has the potential to be a top-four Premier League manager in the future, has a selection dilemma after the defender Adrián López joined Wigan's already lengthy injury list. James Riach

Venue DW Stadium

Tickets £25 (0871 663 3552)

Last season Wigan 0 Arsenal 4

Referee Jon Moss

This season's matches 8 Y23, R1, 3.00 cards per game

Odds Wigan 7-2 Arsenal 8-11 Draw 27-10

Wigan Athletic v Arsenal: Probable starters in bold, contenders in light. Photograph: Graphic

Wigan

Subs from Pollitt, Di Santo McManaman, Fyvie, Redmond, Maloney, Orsulx

Doubtful McCarthy (ankle)

Injured Caldwell (hamstring, 26 Dec), Alcaraz (groin, 29 Dec), Ramis (hamstring, 29 Dec), López (hamstring, Feb), Watson (broken leg, Feb), Crusat (knee, unknown), Miyaichi (ankle, unknown),

Suspended None Form guide LDLLWL Disciplinary record Y30 R2

Leading scorer Koné 4

Arsenal

Subs from Mannone, Martínez, Gnabry, Jenkinson, Yennaris, Djourou, Koscielny, Squillaci, Ramsey, Rosicky, Coquelin, Arshavin, Gervinho, Chamakh, Giroud

Doubtful None Injured André Santos (groin, 29 Dec), Fabianski (ankle, Feb), Diaby (thigh, unknown)

Suspended None

Form guide WWLDDW

Disciplinary record Y17 R1

Leading scorer Walcott, Podolski 5

Match pointers

• There have been 18 goals scored in the last four Premier League meetings between these sides

• Arsenal's captain Thomas Vermaelen has scored in each of his three Premier League appearances against Wigan

• The hosts have conceded seven goals to defenders this season, a division high

• The visitors have averaged 60% possession in matches this season, higher than any other top-flight team

• Should he play, Ali Al Habsi will make his 100th appearance in the Premier League for Wigan