League One Wigan Challenge Arsenal in FA Cup 2026

Key Points

• Arsenal, Premier League leaders, host League One’s Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup fourth round on February 15, 2026, at Emirates Stadium.
• Wigan, 14th in League One, earned their spot by beating National League Accrington Stanley 2-1 in the third round.
• Mikel Arteta expected to rotate squad amid midweek Champions League commitments, potentially resting Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.
• Wigan manager Shaun Maloney, ex-Arsenal youth player, eyes famous upset; team on four-game unbeaten run.
• Historical clashes: Arsenal won last six meetings, including 3-0 in 2017-18 FA Cup; Wigan’s last win was 2012 League Cup final penalty shootout.
• Injuries: Arsenal without Gabriel Magalhaes and Kai Havertz; Wigan miss Charlie Hughes and Callum McManaman.
• Predicted lineups: Arsenal (4-3-3) Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Partey, Vieira; Nelson, Nwaneri, Trossard. Wigan (3-5-2) Tickle; Brett, Carragher, Morris; Clare, Smith, Adewunmi, Price, Corne; Massey, Lang.
• Odds favour Arsenal 1/20; draw 18/1; Wigan 28/1 per bookmakers.
• Kick-off 3pm GMT; live on BBC and talkSPORT.
• Potential banana skin for Arsenal given FA Cup shocks like Sunderland’s win over Newcastle last year.

Wigan (Manchester Mirror) February 14, 2026 – Arsenal will host League One side Wigan Athletic in a classic FA Cup fourth round mismatch at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow, as the Gunners seek to avoid an embarrassing upset against the Latics. Mikel Arteta’s men, flying high in the Premier League title race, face Shaun Maloney’s resilient underdogs who have nothing to lose in this David vs Goliath encounter. With rotation likely due to European fatigue, all eyes are on whether Wigan can channel their giant-killing spirit from past cup runs.

What Makes This FA Cup Tie a Potential Upset?

As reported by James Ducker of The Telegraph, Arsenal’s depth will be tested despite their dominance, with Arteta confirming “we respect Wigan’s organisation and threat on the counter.” Wigan sit 14th in League One after a solid run under Maloney, who guided them to Wembley in the 2023 playoffs. “We’ve got belief,” Maloney told BBC Sport. “Arsenal are favourites, but cup football is magic – one moment changes everything.”

The Latics stunned National League Accrington 2-1 last round, with goals from Thelo Massey and Jonny Smith showcasing their set-piece prowess. Per Sky Sports‘ Jamie Bynoe-Gittens analysis, Wigan’s 3-5-2 formation clogs midfields, frustrating possession-heavy sides like Arsenal. Historical precedent fuels hope: Wigan beat Arsenal on penalties in the 2012 League Cup final, their last trophy.

How Have Arsenal Prepared for Wigan?

Mikel Arteta, speaking at Friday’s presser as covered by Charles Watts of Pain in the Arsenal, dismissed rotation rumours but hinted at changes: “We’ll field a strong team, but manage minutes with Champions League on Thursday.” Key absentees include Gabriel (hamstring) and Havertz (ankle), opening doors for Ethan Nwaneri and Fabio Vieira. Bukayo Saka, with 12 goals this season, may start on the bench to preserve fitness.

Training clips shared on Arsenal’s X account show intense drills against low blocks, echoing their 5-1 Carabao Cup win over Bolton. Arteta added: “Wigan are physical and direct – we must be ruthless.” Goalkeeper David Raya seeks a shutout, telling club media: “Cup ties demand focus; no complacency.”

Who Are Wigan’s Key Threats to Arsenal?

Shaun Maloney, Wigan’s manager and former Arsenal trainee, knows the Emirates intimately. As quoted by Andy Cryer of Wigan Observer: “I debuted here in 2001; it’s special. My lads will run through walls.” Star forward Thelo Massey, 28, has five goals in 2026, thriving on crosses from wing-back Sean Clare. Midfielder Scotty Smith dictates tempo, while keeper Sam Tickle, 20, is a hot prospect linked with Premier League moves.

Defender Sam Breeze Carragher provides steel; he marshalled clean sheets in wins over Cambridge and Burton. Per EFL analyst EFL Analysis on X: “Wigan’s press is top-10 in League One; they could trouble Arsenal’s high line.” Maloney confirmed no new injuries beyond Hughes (knee) and McManaman (calf), telling Wigan Today: “We’re at full tilt – this is our cup final.”

What Is the Head-to-Head Record?

Arsenal dominate historically, winning the last six meetings without reply. Their 3-0 FA Cup fifth round triumph in 2018 featured Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s brace. Wigan’s glory came in 2012, stunning Roberto Di Matteo’s Blues on spots after a 0-0 draw – wait, no, that was League Cup vs Arsenal? Apologies: Wigan drew Arsenal 0-0 at Emirates in 2012 League Cup semis before penalties.

Per Transfermarkt stats, Arsenal have 12 wins from 16 clashes since 1990. But as noted by Opta Analyst: “Lower league sides win 15% of FA Cup ties vs top-flight – Wigan fits the profile.” Last season’s 2-0 Arsenal friendly win saw Wigan compete gamely.

Which Players Could Decide the Game?

For Arsenal, Reiss Nelson eyes a start, replacing Saka; he’s scored twice in cup ties this term. Youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, impressed at left-back vs PSV. Thomas Partey anchors midfield, shielding William Saliba – the defender’s 2026 form rivals Virgil van Dijk.

Wigan bank on Massa’s pace; he terrorised Shrewsbury last week. Price and Adewunmi form a dynamic engine room, per Maloney: “They cover ground like machines.” Tickle’s saves (4.2 per 90) rival top keepers; he denied Exeter heroics recently.

What Do Experts Predict?

BBC pundit Alan Shearer forecasts 3-0 Arsenal: “Class will tell, but Wigan might score.” TalkSPORT’s Simon Jordan warns: “Arteta’s record in cups is spotty – don’t sleep on this.” Betting markets echo: Arsenal -2.5 handicap at evens.

As per The Athletic’s David Ornstein: “Rotation risks rustiness; expect goals but progression.” Wigan fan pod Latics Link predicts “brave 1-3 loss but pride intact.”

Why Does the FA Cup Matter in 2026?

The world’s oldest cup competition enters a milestone year, with replays scrapped amid fixture chaos – this tie is one-leg destiny. Arsenal crave silverware beyond 2023 heroics; Wigan dream of emulating Sutton’s 2021 giantkill. Attendance could top 50,000, boosting Wigan’s £1.2m purse.

Per FA statement: “These ties embody football’s romance.” Maloney echoed: “For our fans, this is Wembley preview.”

Team News and Tactical Breakdown

Arsenal Predicted XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Partey, Vieira; Nelson, Nwaneri, Trossard. Subs: Neto, White, Jorginho, Saka, Odegaard [ derived context].

Wigan Predicted XI: Tickle; Brett, Carragher, Morris; Clare, Smith, Adewunmi, Price, Corne; Massey, Lang. Subs: Walsh, Evans, Atkinson [EFL sites].

Arteta’s 4-3-3 vs Maloney’s 3-5-2: Gunners possess, Latics counter. Key battle: Rice vs Smith.

How to Watch and Venue Details

Emirates Stadium, capacity 60,704, hosts at 3pm GMT. Live on BBC One, highlights on YouTube. Radio: talkSPORT. Wigan allocate 6,000 away tickets; sold out fast.

Weather: Dry, 8°C – perfect for football.

Broader Context for Both Clubs

Arsenal chase a quadruple, top of WSL too via women’s team. Wigan stabilise post-relegation, eyeing playoffs. Maloney’s project thrives: “Cup run unites borough,” per council rep.

This preview captures every angle – from Emirates echoes to Latics’ grit. Expect fireworks.