Arsenal will face Wigan Athletic in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday at 4:30 PM UK time. This match marks a significant moment as it is the first meeting between these two teams since their semi-final clash in the 2013/14 FA Cup, where Arsenal triumphed on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Match Preview: Arsenal vs. Wigan Athletic
Arsenal advanced to this round thanks to a stunning hat-trick from Gabriel Martinelli in their last match against Portsmouth. Wigan, however, has struggled in League One, finding themselves in the relegation zone despite a remarkable FA Cup run. They recently eliminated Championship side Preston North End with a 1-0 victory.
Wigan’s Current Form
Wigan’s last league win came before their upset over Preston. Since then, they have lost four matches and drawn once, resulting in their current 23rd position in the league. In light of these poor performances, the club made the decision to part ways with manager Ryan Lowe after 11 months. Graham Barrow and Glenn Whelan will manage the team on an interim basis.
Managerial Insights
Arsenal’s head coach, Mikel Arteta, expressed excitement about the opportunity the match presents, stating its importance in club history. Meanwhile, Barrow noted the positive aspects of player nerves, emphasizing their potential as a motivational tool.
Team News and Tactics
Arsenal could see the return of several key players. Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard made appearances off the bench against Brentford, while William Saliba missed that game due to illness. Kai Havertz is recovering from an injury incurred during the match against Sunderland.
Wigan reported no new injuries after their recent 2-1 defeat to Reading. Tactical unpredictability is a hallmark for Wigan, particularly following Lowe’s varied formations. Their style often emphasizes a strong right flank, led by Scotsman Fraser Murray, who has made 113 crosses this season.
Statistics Ahead of the Match
- This encounter is the only second FA Cup meeting between Arsenal and Wigan since 2014.
- Arsenal aims to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time since the 2019/20 season.
- Wigan has won their last six away FA Cup matches, conceding just one goal in that span.
- In the previous cup match, all four of Arsenal’s goals against Portsmouth came from set pieces.
Match Officials
The match will be officiated by Tim Robinson, with Ian Hussin and Marc Perry as assistant referees. Andrew Madley will serve as the fourth official, and there will be no VAR in operation for this match.
Historical Context
The last meeting in the FA Cup remains etched in memory for Arsenal fans. In 2014, after a dramatic semi-final, Arsenal defeated Wigan on penalties, eventually winning the cup. This history adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming match.
As the teams prepare for this crucial fixture, anticipation builds around Arsenal’s efforts to capitalize on their home advantage against Wigan’s resilience. Fans will be eager to see if the Gunners can secure their place in the next round of the FA Cup.
