7M - Match Preview: Arsenal vs. Wigan Athletic - Predictions, Team News, Lineups

In a nostalgic rematch from the thrilling 2013-14 semi-final, Arsenal and Wigan Athletic prepare to clash in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday at the Emirates Stadium.

Match Preview

Arsenal, the most successful team in FA Cup history with 14 titles, have not advanced past this stage since last lifting the trophy at a near-empty Wembley in 2020. In their FA Cup journeys of the 2020-21 and 2022-23 seasons, the Gunners were halted at this point by Southampton and Manchester City respectively. However, Mikel Arteta's team showcased their intentions by comfortably defeating Portsmouth 4-1 in their third-round opener, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring a hat-trick from set pieces, solidifying their status as the leading team in goals from dead-ball situations this season.

Entering the weekend, Arsenal aims to rectify their performance after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Brentford in the Premier League, leaving them only four points ahead of Manchester City at the top of the standings. The Gunners have won their last three home matches since a surprise defeat to Michael Carrick's Manchester United, providing them with a strong foundation at the Emirates.

On the other side, Wigan Athletic defied expectations in their FA Cup third-round match, edging out Championship side Preston North End with a narrow 1-0 victory thanks to a strike from Harrison Bettoni. This win marked a much-needed success for Wigan, who had previously needed penalties to eliminate Barrow and Hemel Hempstead in earlier rounds.

Despite the recent FA Cup success, Wigan has struggled in League One, losing five and drawing one of their last six matches, including a recent 6-1 defeat by Peterborough United followed by a 2-1 loss to Reading. These poor results led to the departure of Ryan Lowe, with Glenn Whelan and Graham Barrow currently acting as interim managers while the search for a new head coach continues.

This match against Arsenal will be Wigan's first encounter since their 2013-14 semi-final, where Lukasz Fabianski's penalty heroics helped the Gunners reach the final. As Wigan continues to fight against relegation, Arsenal appears to have the upper hand going into this contest.

Potential Lineups

Arsenal:

Kepa; White, Mosquera, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly; Eze, Norgaard, Rice; Madueke, Jesus, Martinelli

Wigan Athletic:

Tickle; Fox, Aimson, Kerr; Hunt, Weir, Smith, Murray; Bettoni, Wright; Taylor

Prediction: Arsenal 4-0 Wigan Athletic

We predict a commanding 4-0 victory for Arsenal over Wigan Athletic. Back at home against a struggling Wigan side and with a fresh squad, the Gunners are poised for a straightforward win, aiming to break their recent FA Cup misfortunes with an emphatic performance.