By Alan G
January 24 2006

Wigan Athletic face a stern test this evening in the Carling Cup as Arsenal look set to field a strong first eleven, with manager Arsene Wenger stating he owes himself a “run” in this competition.

Wenger said: “We want to win every competition, but at the moment it is not possible. Still we are one game away from the Final so it is worth giving it all to get to there.

“I am not sure if it is the best chance [of a trophy this term] but it is certainly the shortest way.”

Wenger’s squad smacks of serious intent. The only unforced absentee is Jens Lehmann . However the manager is without Ashley Cole (thigh), Gael Clichy (foot) and Pascal Cygan (hamstring) while Emmanuel Eboue, Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor are at the African Nations Cup. 

                 

Latics include Reto Ziegler after the defender's arrival on loan from Spurs.

Arjan de Zeeuw, Lee McCulloch, Emerson Thome, Ryan Taylor, David Connolly, David Wright and Steve McMillan are all injured and David Thompson is cup-tied.

 

 

Arsenal (from): Almunia, Poom, Djourou, Flamini, Diaby, Hleb, Gilbert, Lauren, Campbell, Senderos, Gilberto, Pires, Reyes, Bergkamp, Van Persie, Henry.

 

Wigan (from): Pollitt, Chimbonda, Jackson, Henchoz, Johansson, Mahon, Kavanagh, Francis, Scharner, Teale, Bullard, Skoko, Baines, Roberts, Ziegler, Mellor, Filan.