Arsenal welcome Wigan Athletic to the Emirates Stadium for their FA Cup fourth-round clash, with Mikel Arteta expected to rotate heavily amid injury concerns and fixture congestion. While the Gunners remain firmly in the hunt across competitions, Sunday’s tie presents an opportunity to rest key names and hand starts to squad players and youngsters.
Wigan, meanwhile, travel to North London aiming to produce a classic FA Cup upset. The League One side are likely to field a competitive lineup, despite a handful of injury setbacks of their own.
Here is a look at the predicted starting lineups and latest team news ahead of Arsenal vs Wigan Athletic.
Arsenal Starting Lineup, Team News, and Injury Update
Arsenal are expected to make multiple changes for the FA Cup tie, particularly after fresh injury concerns emerged during the midweek draw against Brentford.
William Saliba was absent due to illness, while Martin Odegaard suffered a knock to the knee after returning from a previous issue. Although both players could potentially recover in time, Arteta is unlikely to risk either in a fourth-round clash. They are expected to sit this one out alongside Mikel Merino (foot), Max Dowman (ankle) and Kai Havertz (muscle), who remain sidelined.
With rotation anticipated, Arsenal’s predicted lineup could look like this:
Predicted Arsenal XI: Kepa; White, Mosquera, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly; Eze, Norgaard, Rice; Madueke, Jesus, Martinelli
Kepa Arrizabalaga is expected to start between the posts, offering Arteta a chance to rotate his goalkeeping options. In defence, Ben White should retain his place, while Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori are predicted to form the central partnership. Myles Lewis-Skelly could earn another opportunity at left-back as Arsenal continue to integrate academy talent.
In midfield, Declan Rice is likely to anchor the side, potentially partnered by Christian Norgaard. Eberechi Eze is tipped to add creativity and forward thrust from a more advanced midfield role.
Further forward, Noni Madueke could feature on the right flank, while Gabriel Martinelli — fresh from his third-round hat-trick heroics — is expected to start again. Gabriel Jesus may lead the line as Arsenal aim to maintain attacking fluidity despite resting several regular starters.
Also Read: Bruno Guimaraes Injury Update: How Long Will Newcastle United Captain Be Sidelined?
Wigan Athletic Starting Lineup and Injury Update
Wigan Athletic arrive as underdogs but will be determined to make life difficult for their Premier League opponents. While squad depth cannot match Arsenal’s, the Latics are expected to field a structured and disciplined side.
Predicted Wigan XI: Tickle; Fox, Aimson, Kerr; Hunt, Weir, Smith, Murray; Bettoni, Wright; Taylor
Sam Tickle, previously linked with Arsenal as a potential future signing, is expected to start in goal. In defence, Jason Kerr is set to wear the captain’s armband after returning from injury. He should marshal a backline that may include Fox and Aimson, with Hunt providing width.
In midfield, Weir and Smith are predicted to anchor proceedings, while Murray offers energy and forward movement. Bettoni and Wright could operate behind striker Taylor, forming Wigan’s primary attacking threat.
As for Wigan’s injury news, Baba Adeeko and Luke Robinson have returned to training but are not expected to be match-ready for the trip to North London. Harry McHugh remains slightly behind schedule in his rehabilitation process. James Carragher, who missed Wigan’s last two games with a knock, is considered doubtful for the fourth-round tie.
The return of Jason Kerr is a significant boost, particularly given his leadership role within the squad. Wigan will rely heavily on organisation, defensive discipline and counter-attacking opportunities to stay competitive against a rotated but still formidable Arsenal side.
Tactical Outlook Ahead of Arsenal vs Wigan Athletic
With both teams expected to rotate to varying degrees, the FA Cup clash presents an intriguing tactical battle.
Arsenal’s predicted starting lineup suggests attacking intent, with pace out wide and technical quality through midfield. The inclusion of Rice and Norgaard would offer control, while Martinelli and Madueke provide width and directness.
Wigan, on the other hand, are likely to prioritise defensive structure and compactness. Expect them to sit deep, frustrate Arsenal’s creative players and look for transitional moments to exploit space behind an advanced backline.
While Arsenal enter as clear favourites, the FA Cup has historically delivered surprises. Much will depend on how effectively Arteta’s rotated side settles into rhythm early in the match.
Sunday’s encounter promises to be an intriguing contest between top-flight depth and lower-league determination, with both predicted lineups reflecting contrasting objectives: progression for Arsenal and pride, perhaps even a shock result, for Wigan Athletic.
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