Wigan gunning for Arsenal scalp

Roberto Martinez says Wigan must hit the heights of their 2-2 draw with Arsenal last month if they are to match the Gunners this weekend.

The Latics have a wretched record in the capital in recent years, and they will be travelling south in search of a first-ever win over the Gunners in north London.

However, Wigan have taken four points off Arsene Wenger’s side in their last two home encounters, including a dramatic 3-2 victory at the DW Stadium at the end of last season.

And Martinez wants his team to reproduce that kind of performance if they are to get a result on Saturday.

“When we played them at the DW last year, it was a fascinating game and one of the biggest moments in the club’s history,” Martinez said.

“And the game we played a few weeks ago was also a great game of football – with 10 men, we managed to get a draw which was a great achievement and that gave us a lot of confidence.”

“As a footballer, you want to go to the Emirates and play as good as you can. The challenge that we’ve got is to try to be as competitive as we’ve been at home against such a fantastic side like Arsenal.”

James McCarthy has an outside chance of a first Wigan start in three months after recovering from ankle ligament damage, while striker Franco di Santo is also back in the frame after his late substitute appearance against Fulham last weekend.

Victor Moses (shoulder) and on-loan midfielder Tom Cleverley (hamstring) are still on the sidelines as Martinez’s injury crisis finally shows signs of clearing.