Get ready for a thrilling FA Cup showdown as Arsenal takes on Wigan Athletic in a match that promises drama, nostalgia, and a touch of controversy. But here's where it gets controversial: Can a struggling League One side truly challenge a Premier League giant on their home turf? Let’s dive into the details and find out.
Our FA Cup journey continues this Sunday at 4:30 PM (UK time) as we welcome Wigan Athletic to the Emirates Stadium for the fourth round. This fixture isn’t just another game—it’s a rematch of the 2014 FA Cup semi-final, where we edged past the Latics on penalties before lifting the trophy. And this is the part most people miss: Wigan, despite their league struggles, have a knack for FA Cup magic, making this tie far from a formality.
Last month, a Gabriel Martinelli hat-trick sealed our 4-1 victory over Portsmouth in the third round. Now, we face a Wigan side that has found solace in cup competitions while battling relegation in League One. The Latics, who stunned Championship hopefuls Preston North End in the last round, are no strangers to pulling off upsets. However, their league form tells a different story—four losses and one draw since their 1-0 win over Preston have seen them slip to 23rd place, leading to the sacking of manager Ryan Lowe after just 11 months in charge. Interim bosses Glenn Whelan and Graham Barrow now have the daunting task of steering the ship.
Mikel Arteta is relishing the challenge: ‘It’s an opportunity for the team, with another competition and the history we have in it. We’re playing at home again, and I’m excited to recover and go again.’ Meanwhile, Graham Barrow offers a unique perspective on pressure: ‘Fear is a positive thing for the players. It’s like nerves—top sportsmen say you need them to care. It’s about using it as a motivator, not letting it paralyze you.’*
Team news adds another layer of intrigue. For Arsenal, Mikel Merino remains sidelined with a foot injury, while Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard returned to action against Brentford. William Saliba missed that game due to illness, and Kai Havertz picked up a knock in the win over Sunderland. Wigan, on the other hand, report no fresh injuries after their 2-1 defeat to Reading.
Talking tactics, Adrian Clarke highlights Wigan’s unpredictability under Lowe, who experimented with formations before his departure. The Latics often rely on a dynamic right-hand side, spearheaded by Fraser Murray, whose 113 crosses in open play rank second in League One. Despite averaging just 44.6% possession in the league, Wigan’s technical players, like former Arsenal academy star Matt Smith, can pose a threat on the break. But here’s the twist: Will Barrow stick to Lowe’s approach, or will we see a tactical shift?
Historically, Wigan has struggled at the Emirates, losing 10 of their 11 away games against us across all competitions. However, their recent FA Cup form is impressive—six consecutive away wins in the competition, conceding just once. A win here would tie them with an elite group of teams achieving seven straight away wins in FA Cup history.
Controversial question: Can Wigan’s cup heroics translate into a league revival, or is this just a fleeting moment of glory? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Match officials include referee Tim Robinson, who last officiated our 2-0 win over Brighton in December 2023. He’ll be assisted by Ian Hussin and Marc Perry, with Andrew Madley as the fourth official. Notably, there will be no VAR for this match.
As we reminisce about our 2014 semi-final victory, where Per Mertesacker’s late header forced extra time and penalties, it’s clear that Wigan won’t go down without a fight. Final thought: Will Arsenal’s set-piece prowess—all four goals against Portsmouth came from dead-ball situations—prove decisive again? Tune in to our preview show, Live from N5, for special guests, analysis, and live commentary. Don’t miss this FA Cup clash—it’s bound to be a spectacle!
