Arsenal have suddenly slipped to two defeats in Manchester and the early-season momentum that was gathering at the Emirates Stadium has hit a brick wall.
Before the Premier League's kick-off, Arsenal were fancied by many to end the top-four's monopoly on the Champions League by dropping down to a Europa League place.
But after a string of impressive performances, including a 6-1 massacring of Everton, the Gunners were suddenly recognised as a threat to Manchester United's crown.
Then came an unlucky defeat at Old Trafford and a 4-2 loss at Manchester City to leave Arsene Wenger back at square one.
Nobody quite knows where Arsenal will end up this term and it is down to Wenger to get his side's season back on track with a string of wins starting this weekend.
Wigan arrive in north London after an inconsistent start themselves, but new manager Roberto Martinez looks to be getting to grips with his squad at the DW Stadium.
A 1-0 defeat of West Ham last weekend marked progress for the Latics, who will arrive in hope rather than expectation.
Wenger has an overloaded treatment room at present, with both goalkeepers among those who are unhealthy.
Manuel Almunia has a virus, while Lukasz Fabianski has a knee injury which will keep him out of action for another month.
Andrei Arshavin, Carlos Vela, Johan Djourou and Samir Nasri are also certain absentees, while fitness checks will be made on several others.
In contrast, Wigan's only casualty is Olivier Kapo. The midfielder is expected to be out for a further fortnight with a medial knee ligament problem.
Since making their top-flight debut in 2005, Wigan have never beaten Arsenal. In eight league meetings, the Gunners have won seven, with the sides drawing just once.
Before the Premier League's kick-off, Arsenal were fancied by many to end the top-four's monopoly on the Champions League by dropping down to a Europa League place.
But after a string of impressive performances, including a 6-1 massacring of Everton, the Gunners were suddenly recognised as a threat to Manchester United's crown.
Then came an unlucky defeat at Old Trafford and a 4-2 loss at Manchester City to leave Arsene Wenger back at square one.
Nobody quite knows where Arsenal will end up this term and it is down to Wenger to get his side's season back on track with a string of wins starting this weekend.
Wigan arrive in north London after an inconsistent start themselves, but new manager Roberto Martinez looks to be getting to grips with his squad at the DW Stadium.
A 1-0 defeat of West Ham last weekend marked progress for the Latics, who will arrive in hope rather than expectation.
Wenger has an overloaded treatment room at present, with both goalkeepers among those who are unhealthy.
Manuel Almunia has a virus, while Lukasz Fabianski has a knee injury which will keep him out of action for another month.
Andrei Arshavin, Carlos Vela, Johan Djourou and Samir Nasri are also certain absentees, while fitness checks will be made on several others.
In contrast, Wigan's only casualty is Olivier Kapo. The midfielder is expected to be out for a further fortnight with a medial knee ligament problem.
Since making their top-flight debut in 2005, Wigan have never beaten Arsenal. In eight league meetings, the Gunners have won seven, with the sides drawing just once.
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