The pair have struck up an unlikely alliance over the last five years, a healthy trade in players done during that time.
Bruce has largely been the beneficiary, Wilson Palacios one of the players passed his way by the Gunners boss.

And hopefully, Wenger's team will be in an equally generous mood this weekend, although judging by their midweek win over AC Milan, they look back to their best after a mini-stutter.

During Bruce's time in charge of Birmingham, the path from North London to the West Midlands was a well-beaten one as far as players were concerned. Latics assistant manager Erik Black said: "The link between Steve and Arsene goes back to when Birmingham signed Matthew Upson.

"Then Birmingham got Jermaine Pennant from Arsenal, and it continued with Nicklas Bendtner, Seb Larsson and Fabrice Muamba going on loan there last season.

"Bendtner has gone back to Arsenal and showed what a very good player
he is, while Larsson and Muamba signed permanently.
"Wilson Palacios is another one. We all know he was on trial at Arsenal but they didn't have room for another midfielder in their squad.
"So Arsene mentioned him to Steve, he went to Birmingham and now he's here, playing very well."

The Gunners arrive in Wigan as league leaders, searching for their first Premier League title since the 2003/04 season.
Their lead at the top over Manchester United is one point, although the gap stretched to five points a month ago.

The reason it's been whittled down is two successive draws, 2-2 at Birmingham a fortnight ago and last week's 1-1 scoreline against Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium – Bendtner equalising deep into stoppage time.

Arsenal were back on form on Tuesday night, becoming the first English side to beat AC Milan in the San Siro.
Late goals from Cesc Febregas and Emmanuel Adebayor clinched a
Champions League quarter-final place.

From Latics' point of view, the timing wasn't the best for the Gunners to hit form, but perhaps they can cling to the hope Wenger's men will be heavy-legged after their Italian exertions.
Wenger was understandably delighted with events at the San Siro, saying: "I have big respect for Milan, but my team deserves a lot of credit.

"We played with authority, maturity, talent and intelligence.
"Sometimes as manager you feel there is something in the team and you know that for them to get a step higher up they have to deliver in a big game like Milan.
"I hope that will strengthen the belief in the team.

"Our confidence level in the camp had dropped a bit, we have not been in the most positive environment recently, from the media.
"But I like the fact the team found the mental strength to play without
restriction."