Preview: Arsenal v Wigan Athletic — FA Cup Fourth Round Clash at the Emirates
Arsenal welcome Wigan Athletic to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, kick-off 11: 30 a. m. ET, as the Premier League leaders look to advance in the FA Cup while keeping momentum across a packed domestic and European campaign. The tie pits a team chasing multiple trophies against a spirited lower-league side whose cup form offers a welcome distraction from their League One struggles.
Team news and likely changes for Arsenal
Arsenal arrive with small freshening of personnel and a focus on rotation. Gabriel Martinelli remains a live threat after his hat-trick in the third round, while the manager has signalled a chance for fringe players to stake a claim. Kepa Arrizabalaga is expected to start in goal, and William Saliba’s return to the XI is a welcome boost after missing the last outing through illness. Christian Norgaard and Myles Lewis-Skelly are in line for a midfield role in cup rotation, with Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus offering pace and creativity up front.
There are fitness caveats. Mikel Merino remains sidelined with a foot injury, Kai Havertz picked up a knock last weekend, and the manager will monitor recovery of Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard following recent returns from the bench. Expect a side that blends experience and youth, prioritizing control and cutting off Wigan’s transitions early.
Wigan’s setup, strengths and how they will try to spring a shock
Wigan arrive as heavy underdogs on league form but buoyed by an FA Cup scalp in the previous round. The Latics have slipped towards the bottom of League One, a run that cost their manager his job and left Glenn Whelan and Graham Barrow in interim charge. That change could prompt a conservative, compact approach designed to frustrate Arsenal and hit on the counter.
The club’s matchday programme highlights Wigan’s preference for low-possession setups this season, averaging under half the ball in league matches. In their memorable 1-0 win at Preston, possession dropped into the low 30s, a template that suggests they will sit deep and seek openings on the break. A dynamic right flank has been a key outlet: a wide man has produced one of the highest crossing totals at their level, and the Latics will look to exploit space wide when Arsenal overcommit.
Technically capable players capable of neat passing and moments of finishing remain in the squad, including a forward who has FA Cup final experience from his past. Expect Wigan to be pragmatic — low block, quick counters, and heavy use of crosses into the box where they can unsettle a high defensive line.
What’s at stake and what to watch
For Arsenal, this tie is another step in a season that has stretched their ambitions across four competitions. Progress keeps squad confidence high and offers rotation opportunities to manage fatigue ahead of a congested schedule. The manager has framed cup fixtures as opportunities to maintain momentum and build match sharpness across the squad.
Key indicators of how this match will play out include Arsenal’s ability to break down a disciplined low block without surrendering chances on the counter, and Wigan’s success in delivering dangerous crosses and transitional moments. If the Latics can replicate the defensive resilience shown against higher-ranked opponents in the cup, they could force a tight contest. If Arsenal take early control of possession and tempo, the gulf in quality and depth will be exposed.
Expect a competitive, tactical encounter with Arsenal favourites to progress, but with enough variables — rotation, injuries and the Latics’ cup momentum — to keep the outcome uncertain until the final whistle.
