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With a place in the FA Cup final on the line, this Wembley encounter is without a doubt the match of the season for both teams. Arsenal, the odds-on favorite, will feel this is their biggest chance to win a trophy in a long time, but current cup holders Wigan will be confident themselves after upsetting Manchester City last round.
Wigan had a poor start to the season in the Championship, not being able to deal with competing in the Europa League, but 2014 saw them put together an excellent run of form and reaching a playoff spot. However, Wigan’s form has dipped again lately, and the Latics have won just 1 of their last 5 games, including a home loss to the 23rd placed Milwall a couple of days ago.
Arsenal is in wretched form at the moment and losing 3-0 to Everton over the weekend now made it 4 consecutive matches without a win for the Gunners. The solid start to the season is long forgotten, now Arsenal is in real danger of losing a Top 4 placement and Arsene Wenger is again under pressure – so this FA Cup semifinal is simply huge for them, especially considering the trophy drought this club has to endure in the last decade.
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Team news & lineups
Both teams have to deal with squad issues for this game. Wigan will miss Waghorn, Tunnicliffe, Kiernan, Watson, McCann and Espinoza. Arsenal has the same old injuries of Walcott, Wilshere, Gnabry, Diaby, Ozil, Myachi and Koscielni. Flamini is also out, while Rosicky, Gibbs and Oxlade Chamberlain are doubtful but will probably be at least on the bench. On the bright side for Arsenal, Ramsey came back after a long injury against Everton and looked in excellent shape, so he will start today.
Wigan Athletic: Carson – Perch, Boyce, Ramis, Barnett, Crainey – McArthur, McEachran – Gomez – McManaman, Fortune.
Arsenal: Fabianski – Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Monreal – Ramsey, Arteta – Cazorla, Rosicky, Podolski – Giroud.
Even if Arsenal is playing rubbish football lately, they are well known for reacting when their backs are against the wall and considering the massive importance of this game, I expect them to raise their level – I’m actually content that their recent performances are giving us very good odds today. Wenger also has the experience of losing the League Cup final in 2011 to a relegation bound Birmingham side, so the Gunners surely won`t underestimate Wigan – especially after the Latics won the cup last year and defeated Manchester City this year. However, Wigan is in much worse form at the moment and I don`t think they can realistically challenge Arsenal if they are not at their best level. Also, Arsenal had their biggest issues on the road this season, at home they have been dominant, and while this is not a home game (neutral ground, Wembley), it will probably feel like the Emirates with all the fans in the stands.
All in all, I give Arsenal credit here. They are the better and more experienced team and Wigan does not look able to produce an upset right now. My tip is Arsenal to win with -1,25 asian handicap. Prediction: Wigan Athletic – Arsenal 1-3.
Pick: Arsenal (-1,25 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 2.26 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 10.08
Event date: 12 April
