The FA Cup fourth round promises an intriguing clash as Arsenal prepare to host Wigan Athletic on Sunday. This encounter carries a rich history, with both teams having faced off in the 2014 semi-finals, where Arsenal emerged victorious on penalties.
But here's where it gets interesting: Wigan, despite struggling in League One, has found solace in their FA Cup journey. They shocked Preston North End in the previous round, setting up this tie. However, their league form has been dismal, resulting in the sacking of manager Ryan Lowe after a poor run of results.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his excitement for the match, emphasizing the team's rich history in the competition. He will be eager to build on the momentum from Gabriel Martinelli's hat-trick in the third round, which knocked out Portsmouth.
Wigan's interim manager, Graham Barrow, believes fear can be a positive motivator for his players. With a new management team in place, Wigan's tactics are hard to predict, but they are known for their dynamic right-hand side, led by Fraser Murray.
Arsenal's recent form has been mixed, with key players like Mikel Merino, Bukayo Saka, and Martin Odegaard facing injury concerns. Wigan, on the other hand, has a fully fit squad, but their away record against Arsenal is poor, having lost 10 out of 11 games in all competitions.
This match will be officiated by Tim Robinson, who last refereed an Arsenal game in December 2023. The game will be VAR-free, with Andrew Madley as the fourth official.
And this is the part most fans will remember: the last time these teams met in the FA Cup, Wigan, as holders, stunned Manchester City in the quarter-finals, only to be denied by Arsenal in a dramatic semi-final. Will history repeat itself, or will Wigan cause another upset? Tune in to find out!
For a comprehensive build-up, don't miss our Live from N5 preview show, featuring special guests and in-depth analysis. You can also catch the live commentary of the game against Wigan on our official channels.
Are you an Arsenal fan eager to see your team's FA Cup journey continue? Or a Wigan supporter hoping for a giant-killing act? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
