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Match Preview for Arsenal v Wigan
Arsenal welcome Wigan to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday as the sides meet again in the FA Cup, over a decade on from their memorable 2013-14 final clash.
The Gunners began this year’s campaign comfortably, defeating Portsmouth 4-1 in the third round, while League One strugglers Wigan earned their place with a 1-0 upset against Preston North End.
Arsenal remain the competition’s most successful club with 14 titles, but they have not progressed beyond this stage since lifting the trophy in 2020.
Their attention now turns back to Wembley ambitions after a 1-1 Premier League draw with Brentford slightly tightened the title race.
Wigan arrive as clear underdogs but will take confidence from their cup exploits. Harrison Bettoni’s goal secured victory at Preston, and they also came through earlier rounds via penalty shootouts.
Team news for Arsenal v Wigan
Arsenal have concerns over William Saliba, who missed the Brentford match through illness, and Martin Odegaard, who suffered a knee knock. The pair are unlikely to be risked.
Mikel Merino, Max Dowman and Kai Havertz are also unavailable. Rotation is expected, with Kepa Arrizabalaga, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Christian Norgaard among those pushing to start, while Martinelli should feature after his third-round hat-trick.
For Wigan, Baba Adeeko and Luke Robinson are back in training but not ready for selection. Harry McHugh remains sidelined and James Carragher is a doubt.
Jason Kerr has recovered and should captain the side, with goalkeeper Sam Tickle set to start.
Expected line-ups for Arsenal v Wigan
Arsenal: Kepa; White, Mosquera, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly; Eze, Norgaard, Rice; Madueke, Jesus, Martinelli
Wigan: Tickle; Fox, Aimson, Kerr; Hunt, Weir, Smith, Murray; Bettoni, Wright; Taylor
The stats for Arsenal v Wigan
- Arsenal have won the FA Cup 14 times, more than any other club
- The Gunners have won their last three home matches in all competitions
- Wigan have lost five of their last six league games
- Arsenal have not advanced beyond the fourth round since 2020
- Wigan last reached the FA Cup fifth round in 2017-18
Prediction
Given the gap in quality, home advantage and Wigan’s poor league form, Arsenal should progress comfortably and avoid another early FA Cup exit.
