Premier League: Arsenal v Wigan match preview

A look ahead to tonight's Premier League fixture at the Emirates Stadium

The Wigan players come to terms with what could prove to be a crucial defeat in their last Premier League game against Swansea (Getty Images)

Wigan will travel to the Emirates Stadium this evening knowing anything other than a win will all but consign them to relegation from the Premier League.

Roberto Martinez’s men will still be on a high after their historic FA Cup victory over Manchester City on Saturday but now must direct all attentions to their crucial Premier League clash as they hope to close the four-point gap on the sides above and avoid dropping down to the Championship.

Their hosts, who will look for three points to boost their chances of Champion’s League qualification, are the league’s in-form outfit having not lost in their last eight fixtures. They will be without Olivier Giroud, though, who serves the final game of his three-match suspension.

KICK-OFF:Tuesday, 19:45pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Wigan 0, Arsenal 1 (Arteta, pen), Premier League, December 2012

Arsenal 1 (Vermaelen), Wigan 2 (Di Santo, Gomez), Premier League, April 2012

Wigan 0, Arsenal 4 (Arteta, Vermaelen, Gervinho, Van Persie), Premier League, December 2011

STATS…

• Wigan have lost nine of their 10 previous league and cup visits to Arsenal.
• Arsenal last completed the domestic double over Wigan in 2008-09.
• Arsenal have won all five fixtures against the Premier League’s bottom three clubs so far this season.
• Wigan have failed to win in their last 12 league matches that have been played on a Tuesday night since a 3-2 home victory over Aston Villa in April, 2006.
• The Emirates have been host to 65 goals this season – more than any other stadium.
• Wigan’s Emmerson Boyce is set to make his 500 career appearance.

ODDS…

Arsenal to win: 1.4

Wigan to win: 8.4

Draw: 5.8

TV: Live on Sky Sports 1 at 7:45pm