Arsenal vs Wigan preview - Eboue may return

Posted Tuesday, November 30, 2010 by ESPN

Arsenal could welcome back Emmanuel Eboue ahead of schedule from a knee problem for the Carling Cup quarter-final against Wigan at Emirates Stadium.

Centre-half Sebastien Squillaci picked up a minor knee problem during Saturday's win at Aston Villa and captain Cesc Fabregas (hamstring) remains sidelined along with Abou Diaby (ankle) and Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles).

Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner could all feature having been unused substitutes at Villa Park, while manager Arsene Wenger must decide whether to recall fit-again goalkeeper Manuel Almunia or give young Pole Wojciech Szczesny another chance.

Wenger has called on Arsenal fans to "keep faith'' in his vision as he looks to guide the young Gunners into the semi-finals of the Carling Cup.

The 4-2 victory at Aston Villa on Saturday avoided a third straight defeat, following on from the bitter disappointment of blowing a two-goal lead as arch-rivals Tottenham fought back to win the north London derby at Emirates Stadium and then going down 2-0 in Braga to leave Champions League qualification not yet assured.

Those performances once again had pundits and supporters alike questioning Arsenal's backbone and ability to turn potential into silverware.

Wenger, though, maintains his side have the quality needed to come good in the end as they look to secure a first trophy since the 2005 FA Cup by staying on course for Wembley with victory.

"For over two months we have played every three days, and part of that is sometimes you have ups and downs. It is how you respond to that,'' Wenger told Arsenal TV Online.

"The problem at the moment is that when these kind of things happen, everybody is emphasising the negative sides.''

Wenger declared: "I am still quite optimistic, even if disappointed by the results.

"I have no major reason to doubt the team and the players, so even if my disappointment was huge, maybe that is why I am less down than many people because I see all the positive signs which are in my team.

"I am confident on the longer-term, like it is a marathon, that will all come out - keep with us, and keep faith with the team.

"I know their attitude is spot on, I know they have the quality - and we will not always lose games where the opponent only has one shot on goal.''

Antolin Alcaraz returns from a one-match suspension for Wigan.

Hugo Rodallega remains unavailable as he serves the second instalment of a three-game ban, while on-loan Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley is not eligible to play under the terms of his season-long deal.

Gary Caldwell (thigh), Emmerson Boyce (hamstring) and James McCarthy (ankle) remain on the sidelines.

Roberto Martinez has revealed his plan to make Wigan the Arsenal of the north.

Latics manager Martinez will .aim to get the better of the man whose footballing philosophy he is trying to emulate: Arsene Wenger.

Martinez is an arch-disciple of Gunners boss Wenger's entire approach to management, chiefly of the Frenchman's record of bringing through young players during his 14 years at the helm.

"I think developing players is key for a football club and, as we all know, for the nation,'' said Martinez.

"And I think it's a clear model that has produced outstanding talent and is carrying on doing that.

"That's been a great example throughout football and for many people to follow.

"To have the ideas very clear, to have those strong beliefs, they bring you success.

"It's quite clear that it's someone who started a model and football in general has benefited from that work.''