- Wigan defender Emmerson Boyce could return to the squad after missing the last two matches through injury.
- Antolin Alcaraz serves the final game of a three-match suspension for spitting at Wolves' Richard Stearman.
- Arsenal will be without midfielders Abou Diaby and Tomas Rosicky, who have respective hamstring and thigh injuries.
- Defenders Carl Jenkinson and Bacary Sagna remain at least three weeks away from a return to fitness.
Head-to-head
- Arsenal have won all nine home matches against Wigan in league
and cup, but have only taken one point from their last two trips to the
DW Stadium - Wigan earned a point in the corresponding fixture last season
courtesy of a late own goal by Sebastien Squillaci. In the previous
encounter, Wigan scored three goals in the last 10 minutes to overturn a
two-goal deficit and record their only league win over the Gunners.