Pre-Match Report

Reserves: Wigan v Arsenal - Match Preview

By Giuseppe Muro

Arsenal face Wigan Athletic on Tuesday afternoon looking to make it two wins from two in the Premier Reserve League.

Following their victory against Manchester United on the opening day of the season last week, the second string make the long trip north on the eve of a crucial game for Arsène Wenger's senior boys in Italy.

Captain Ignasi Miquel made his Premier League debut in Saturday's defeat to Liverpool and he, along with Henri Lansbury, is expected to travel to Udine leaving Neil Banfield without a number of key players for the game.

But, with the main objective priming players for the first team, the manager is always happy to see his youngsters missing through senior commitments.

"That's what my job is all about," he told Arsenal.com. "It's great that they are getting their chance.

"In football, you never know when your chance is going to come along and you have to be ready. Ignasi has sampled it at the highest level, playing Liverpool at Emirates Stadium in front of 60,000. Let's hope it is just the start for him and maybe opportunities might arise for some of the other lads.

"I keep telling them, they have to be prepared because you never know when you are going to get the nod. Ignasi has got his chance, Emmanuel and Henri have got theirs and they have done well.

"Hopefully they do well for the Club and we get the result that we all want in Italy."

Arsenal visited the Robin Park Arena as recently as March when Jens Lehmann made a much-anticipated return to action during his short-term stay at the Club last season. Miquel saw red that day as the visitors went down 2-1 with goals from Callum McManaman and Joe Holt giving Wigan a slender victory.

The Latics themselves enjoyed a successful start to their 2011/12 campaign after coming from behind to record an impressive 3-1 away win at Fulham.

"We had a tough game up there last year and we don't expect Wigan to be any easier than playing Manchester United," insists Banfield.

"It was a great start for us last week and we will be looking to continue that good work on Tuesday afternoon against a good side.

"Every game is going to be full on and we have got to earn the right to play our game. It will be another interesting game, they play good football and we are looking forward to it."

After scoring the winner at Underhill last time out, Chuks Aneke will continue in the 'No 10' role. In the likely absence of Miquel, Martin Angha is expected to partner Daniel Boateng in central defence. Vito Mannone starts in goal.

Arsenal.com will bring you live text commentary from the game and match highlights will be available 'on demand' on Arsenal Player from Wednesday afternoon.

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