Premier League preview: Arsenal v Wigan

Relegation-threatened Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has denied reports he is set to quit the club ahead of their crucial clash with Arsenal.

Following Wednesday’s momentous 1-0 victory over Manchester United at the DW Stadium, a result that lifted Wigan out of the drop zone for the first time since October, Martinez quashed rumours he had reached an agreement with chairman Dave Whelan, regardless of whether Premier League survival was assured.

“I heard that and was very surprised. You wonder where that rumour is coming from,” Martinez said after Shaun Maloney’s lone strike stunned leaders United.

The United result capped off an exceptional run of form for Wigan that has seen them defeat Liverpool, Stoke and Manchester United in the past month and pick up points in all but two of their last eight fixtures when relegation looked imminent.

Martinez said he was now confident his side could avoid the drop but said there was still plenty of work to do with the trip to the Emirates Stadium on Monday as well a home game with high-flying Newcastle.

“I wouldn’t like to see it as job done. When we were bottom and second bottom I was always looking at the last fixture of the season,” he said.

“We play Blackburn (19th) and Wolves (20th) in the last two games. It would be very foolish for us to think anything has been done.”

Colombian striker Hugo Rodallega (knee) could provide a boost for Wigan and return to face Arsenal on Monday with the Gunners are still without defensive pairing of Laurent Koscielny (suspended) and Kieran Gibbs.

Andre Santos and Johan Djourou may deputise for Arsene Wenger’s side as they did in the most recent 4-0 thrashing of rock-bottom Wolves on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Jack Wilshere (ankle/foot) is most likely to return against Chelsea at home a week later.

The win over Wolves was the Gunners’ ninth in 10 league games and puts them in prime position to finish third and secure the last automatic Champions League spot having opened up a five-point gap on North London rivals Tottenham.