PAUL Jewell says he is unlikely to gamble Premiership safety in pursuit of the Carling Cup.

Wigan face Arsenal in the first leg of the semi final at the JJB Stadium tonight, where Jewell says it is unlikely he will name a full-strength side.

Despite being only two games away from the final in Cardiff, the Latics boss insists his side will keep their focus on the league.

"We are all about trying to stay in this league. The cup is a bonus," he said.

"If you asked me if I would take three Premiership wins or a place in the final, I would take the three wins as that would guarantee our safety. We could then build for next year."

The Gunners, who will be without broken toe victim Robin van Persie, have struggled away from Highbury this season, winning only two of 10 games on their travels, and Jewell concedes that this game at the JJB could be the Latics only chance of gaining a winning lead.

"Arsenal have been phenomenal at home but their away record has not been great," he said. "This might be our best opportunity of getting a positive result.

"I think Arsenal can afford to name a full side and I'm sure Arsene Wenger is taking it very seriously."

Austrian defender Paul Scharner is set to make his Wigan debut, with club captain Arjan De Zeeuw available again after breaking his nose against Birmingham.

However, full-back Ryan Taylor could be sidelined for the rest of the season after breaking a bone in his foot.

Scotland international Lee McCulloch, who scored in the FA Cup against Leeds on Saturday, agrees that Wigan must get a result in the first leg.

He said: "They will still be overwhelming favourites with the quality of player they have got. But there's no reason why we cannot get a victory.

"We fancy ourselves at home against any team to get a result, and we pushed them hard here in the league.

"We have to go out to try to win the game. Hopefully, if we do, we can hold on for the second leg."