Arsenal vs Wigan Betting Tips

Wigan went 10 matches without a win prior to beating Portsmouth at home last weekend, but they'll do well to follow-up when tackling Arsenal at the Emirates where they have yet to taste defeat following 18 games in all competitions at their new Ashburton Grove based home. The Gunners' victory over Paul Jewel's men was simply workmanlike when an 88th-minute Abebayor strike spared their blushes and earned them a much-needed three points at the JJB on December 13, but they still boast a 100 per cent Premiership record over Wigan, a side that have struggled to emulate last season's achievements so far this term. A far more convincing display will be expected by the north London faithful on Sunday, however. And they have good reason to be optimistic, for Arsenal have won seven of their last ten matches at the Emirates in all competitions, and have scored a thoroughly impressive 28 goals in the games in question - that's a corking goals per game average of 2.8. Arsene Wenger's charges can move within a point of third-placed Liverpool in the table if they collect three points from this fixture. Despite a few injuries - Alexander Hleb, William Gallas, Freddie Ljungberg and Emmanuel Eboue are all on the easy list - Arsenal seem to be managing perfectly well, and Johan Djourou can step into the breach at centre-back in place of suspended Philippe Senderos. The additional absence of Robin van Persie is offset by the fact that Julio 'The Beast' Baptista is back in the fray, giving Arsenal a strong array of attacking options, which, of course, are spearheaded by talismanic skipper Thierry Henry. It's likely that Wenger will, however, start Adebayor up front alongside Henry. Wigan have done well enough on their travels during the current campaign having picked up three victories on the road, but their inconsistency is hampering them, and what has caused them to flirt perilously with the drop zone - they are 17th in the Premiership pecking order and, although they have a five point cushion over the next side, West Ham, a couple of bad results and they could soon find themselves in murky waters. It's not wise to completely rule out a bold show from Wigan, as they are capable on their day. But on current form - and playing a side that are so imperious with home advantage - I cannot see them leaving north London with anything other than a lesson in slick pass-and-move football, which the Gunners are so adept at. Indeed, no side, arguably in Europe, adopts this style of play better. With goals generally to be expected at the Emirates, I reckon that it's worth taking up Paddy Power's offering of -2 in the handicap result market at 2/1. All Arsenal need to do is play as they have been recently at home, and three or four goals against an ailing Wigan side should make for pretty easy pickings. Verdict - 2pts Arsenal -2 in the handicap result market @ 2/1 (Paddy Power)