Encounter Overview: Arsenal v Wigan
Arsenal will host Wigan at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, as the two teams face off once more in the FA Cup, more than a decade after their unforgettable 2013-14 final showdown.
The Gunners commenced their current campaign with ease, overcoming Portsmouth 4-1 in the third round, whereas Wigan, a struggling League One outfit, secured their spot by achieving a surprising 1-0 victory over Preston North End.
Arsenal continue to stand as the competition’s record holders with 14 championships, yet they have failed to advance past this round since claiming the silverware in 2020.
Their focus now shifts towards aspirations for Wembley, subsequent to a 1-1 Premier League stalemate against Brentford that marginally intensified the championship contest.
Wigan enters the match as distinct outsiders; however, they will draw encouragement from their cup achievements. Harrison Bettoni’s goal clinched the win against Preston, and they also advanced from previous stages by means of penalty deciders.
Squad Updates for Arsenal v Wigan
Arsenal face worries regarding William Saliba, who was absent from the Brentford game due to sickness, and Martin Odegaard, who sustained a knee injury. It’s improbable that both players will be risked.
Mikel Merino, Max Dowman, and Kai Havertz will also miss out. Squad changes are anticipated, with Kepa Arrizabalaga, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Christian Norgaard included in players contending for a start, while Martinelli is likely to play after his hat-trick in the third stage.
As for Wigan, Baba Adeeko and Luke Robinson are returning to practice but are unfit for the squad. Harry McHugh continues to be out of action, and James Carragher faces uncertainty.
Jason Kerr has regained fitness and is expected to lead the team, with goalkeeper Sam Tickle poised to begin.
Anticipated Starting Elevens for Arsenal v Wigan
Arsenal: Kepa; White, Mosquera, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly; Eze, Norgaard, Rice; Madueke, Jesus, Martinelli
Wigan: Tickle; Fox, Aimson, Kerr; Hunt, Weir, Smith, Murray; Bettoni, Wright; Taylor
Key Statistics for Arsenal v Wigan
- Arsenal have claimed the FA Cup trophy on 14 occasions, surpassing all other teams
- The Gunners have triumphed in their preceding three fixtures at home across all tournaments
- Wigan have been defeated in five of their recent six league encounters
- Arsenal have failed to progress past this particular stage since the year 2020
- Wigan most recently made it to the fifth stage of the FA Cup during the 2017-18 season
Prognosis
Considering the disparity in talent, their stadium edge, and Wigan’s subpar league performance, Arsenal are expected to advance with ease and steer clear of an additional swift FA Cup elimination.
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