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Premier League – Team news: van Persie in line to start

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie could start against Wigan after coming on as a second-half substitute in the 2-1 defeat to Tottenham.

Wigan Athletic v Arsenal (Sunday, 1.30pm)

Wigan will be without Gary Caldwell for the visit of Arsenal, with the defender completing a three-game ban.

Latics midfielder Hendry Thomas is still struggling with a thigh injury and is rated doubtful

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie could start according to boss Arsene Wenger.

Andrei Arshavin (calf) will not return until next weekend at the earliest, while Thomas Vermaelen is out for the season and Alex Song will miss the Wigan clash.

Cesc Fabregas and William Gallas are also long-term absentees, while Denilson is a doubt with a groin strain.

Portsmouth v Aston Villa (Sunday, 4pm)

Portsmouth should welcome back several first-teamers after they were rested for the goalless draw with Wigan.

Jamie O’Hara is out with a back injury and defender Ricardo Rocha is a doubt after picking up a knock at the DW Stadium. Arouna Dindane cannot play at the moment due to an appearance-related payment clause that Pompey cannot afford.

Aston Villa are optimistic that Stephen Warnock will play despite the left-back hurting his leg against Everton.

Fit-again midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker could be named on the bench after coming through two reserve games. Back-up forward Marlon Harewood is out with a foot problem.

PA Sport / Eurosport

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Written by Israel Saria

For the last 20 years I have been working as a football pundit. This experience has provided me with a very useful insight into football and the opportunity to carry out extensive research into the game including its players, the stadiums, the rules and tactics and I have also been grateful to meet a wide range of people connected to football in the UK, Tanzania, Germany .....

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