Get ready for a thrilling FA Cup showdown! Arsenal vs. Wigan Athletic is more than just a fourth-round clash—it’s a battle of contrasting fortunes and a reminder of the cup’s magical unpredictability. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a struggling Wigan side, currently battling relegation in League One, pull off another FA Cup upset against a resurgent Arsenal? Let’s dive in.
Our FA Cup journey continues this Sunday at 4:30 PM (UK time) as we welcome Wigan Athletic to the Emirates Stadium. Fresh off a stunning third-round victory over Portsmouth, where Gabriel Martinelli’s hat-trick stole the show, we’re aiming to keep the momentum alive. But this isn’t the first time we’ve faced the Latics in this competition. Flashback to 2014: a tense semi-final clash ended in a penalty shootout, with Arsenal emerging victorious before lifting the trophy. Will history repeat itself?
The Magic of the Cup
While Wigan’s League One campaign has been a rollercoaster—currently sitting in the relegation zone—they’ve found solace in their FA Cup run. The 2013 winners recently stunned Championship contenders Preston North End in the last round, proving they’re no pushovers. However, their league form tells a different story: four losses and one draw since their last win, leading to the sacking of manager Ryan Lowe. Interim bosses Glenn Whelan and Graham Barrow now face the daunting task of leading the team against Arsenal.
What the Managers Say
Mikel Arteta is brimming with excitement: ‘It’s an opportunity for the team, with another competition and the history we have in it—it’s amazing. We’ll play at home again. I’m really excited to recover and go again.’ Meanwhile, Graham Barrow offers a unique perspective on fear: ‘Fear is a positive thing for the players. It’s like nerves. Top sportsmen say you need nerves; otherwise, you don’t care. You have to learn to deal with it—use it as a motivator.’ But here’s the question: Can Barrow’s philosophy inspire an upset, or will Arteta’s tactical prowess prevail?
Team News
Arsenal’s squad has a few concerns. Mikel Merino remains sidelined with a foot injury, while Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard returned from the bench against Brentford after missing the Sunderland match. William Saliba missed the Brentford 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 following their 2-1 defeat to Reading.
Talking Tactics
Adrian Clarke, in the official matchday programme, highlights Wigan’s unpredictability under former manager Ryan Lowe. After experimenting with formations like 3-1-4-2, 4-3-3, and 4-4-2, it’s anyone’s guess what shape they’ll adopt. Wigan’s play often leans on their dynamic right-hand side, led by Fraser Murray, who’s delivered an impressive 113 crosses this season. Despite being a low-possession team (averaging just 44.6% in League One), they’re dangerous on the break, as seen in their 1-0 win over Preston. However, Arsenal’s set-piece prowess—all four goals against Portsmouth came from set pieces—could be a game-changer. And this is the part most people miss: Wigan’s technical players, like former Arsenal academy star Matt Smith, could pose a threat if given space.
Facts and Stats
This is the first meeting between the two sides since that 2014 semi-final, where Mikel Arteta scored in the penalty shootout. Wigan has lost 10 of their 11 away games against Arsenal, with their only win coming in 2012 under Roberto Martinez. Arsenal aims to reach the fifth round for the first time since their 2019/20 triumph, while Wigan seeks to extend their impressive run of six consecutive away FA Cup wins. A victory here would put them in elite company—only four teams have achieved seven consecutive away wins in FA Cup history.
Wembley Memories
The last time these teams met, in 2014, Wigan nearly pulled off another upset. Jordi Gomez’s opener had Arsenal fans on edge, but Per Mertesacker’s late header forced extra time. Lukasz Fabianski’s heroics in the shootout sealed our path to the final. Will Wigan’s FA Cup fairy tale continue, or will Arsenal’s experience prevail?
Live Coverage
Don’t miss our preview show, Live from N5, featuring special guests, games, and in-depth analysis. Tune in to the commentary as we take on the Latics. And for those wondering, here’s how you can watch the match live, no matter where you are in the world.
Controversial Question: Can Wigan’s FA Cup form translate into a league revival, or is their success in this competition a mere anomaly? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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