FA Cup returns to the scene as Arsenal host Wigan

Arsenal failed to win their league match at the Gtech Community Stadium against Brentford and took only one point from the 1-1 draw in north London. A loss that was definitely not counted on in the Arsenal camp. As a result, Arsenal's lead at the top of the Premier League table has shrunk from six to four points. Although it was one of the team's most flawed performances Mikel Arteta's, so there's no time to overanalyze the game. Declan Rice summed it up best in one of his postgame interviews. The English midfielder responded very sympathetically to questions from journalists and pointed out with great insight that the Gunners are still in first place and that we need to look ahead. And he was right. Tomorrow, Arsenal have the chance to make amends for their league wobble, at least in the FA Cup, where League One rivals Wigan await. Another game, another opportunity to win.

Form

Just when it looked like Arsenal were going to notch their fifth win across all competitions in a row, the draw finally came. So the north Londoners must restart their winning streak, ideally tomorrow. Wigan have diametrically different concerns than Arsenal in terms of current form. The Latics, as the Wigan players are nicknamed, have been waiting for a win for over a month and their form is really not good. Judge for yourself.

Arsenal

📈 Current form: 🟡 🟢 🟢 🟢 🟢

⚽️ Results: Brentford 1:1 Arsenal (PL), Arsenal 3:0 Sunderland (PL), Arsenal 1:0 Chelsea (EFL Cup), Leeds 0:4 Arsenal (PL), Arsenal 3:2 Kairat Almaty (CL)

🏆 Premier League position: 1. (57 points)

Wigan

📈 Current form: 🔴 🔴 🔴 🔴 🟡

⚽️ Results: Wigan 1:2 Reading (LO), Peterborough 6:1 Wigan (LO), Wigan 0:1 Lincoln (LO), Wycombe 2:0 Wigan (LO), Doncaster 3:3 Wigan (LO)

🏆 League One position: 22 (31 points)

Team and expected line-up

The proliferation of injuries combined with a demanding schedule and a cup game against a team from a lower league must mean one thing, maximum possible rotation. Mikel Arteta himself admitted in his pre-match press conference that he plans to shuffle the line-up and give space to players who don't get as much space on the pitch in league competition. I am convinced that the personnel there will be as many changes as possible.

Expected line-up

Between the three poles appears Kepa Arrizabalaga, who is a regular in both domestic cups. I expect two personnel changes and one positional change in the defensive four. On the flanks of the defence, they will get a chance Ben White and Myles Lewis-Skelly. At the heart of the defence, they should then stand side by side Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié, who will replace the position of left fullback with a stopper.

Mikel Arteta doesn't have much choice in the centre of midfield. With the injury to Mikel Merino, the away Ethan Nwaneri and a potential new injury to Martin Ødegaard, the Spanish strategist has a significantly limited number of options. In practice, this means that of the trio Martín Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze will most likely start at least two players. My personal prediction is that the starting lineup will not be missing Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze, who needs to get comfortable with the game. The last place in the centre of midfield should be taken by an experienced Christian Nørgaard.

I also expect changes in the most offensive part of the lineup. It may sound a bit surprising to some, but I think he will start on the right wing from the first minute Bukayo Saka. Sure, he could get time off after the injury, but on the other hand, he himself will want to get back into game rhythm and form as soon as possible. That's why I believe that the English winger will start the game against Wigan from the beginning. On the other side of the pitch he will be operating Gabriel Martinelli and at the tip of the attack his compatriot and namesake Gabriel Jesus.

Taking into account the number of injured players and the number of players who are not sure whether they will be available or not, tif it is possible that we will see one or even some of the youngsters from the academy on the substitutes' bench. The first player on the roster is still only 16-year-old defenseman Marli Salmon.

Absences

They will surely be missed Mikel Merino and Kai Havertz. I dare say that the same goes for the young man Max Dowman. Although according to Mikel Arteta the English teenager is very close to a comeback, I don't think he will be ready for the game against Wigan. In Arsenal's last competitive game, he was surprisingly absent from the squad. William Saliba. In his case, I'm inclined to believe that the Arsenal coaching staff will allow you to rest even if you are fit. Another player with a question mark is unfortunately the team captain again. Martin Ødegaard only returned to the lineup on Thursday, but this year his bad luck is really sticking to his heels. He had to be treated after one of the fights and finished the match obviously in pain. When I saw the post-game videos of him limping on the way from the booths to the team bus, I I'd be very surprised if he was part of the lineup for Sunday's game. Let's hope it's nothing serious.

All other players should hopefully be fully available.

Opponent

🏟️ Stadium: The Brick Community Stadium, Wigan (capacity 25 133)

👔 ManagerRyan Lowe

🧤 GoalkeepersSam Tickle, Toby Savin

🛡️ Defenders: Will Aimson, James Carragher, Morgan Fox, Jack Hunt, Jason Kerr, Luke Robinson, Steven Sessegnon

🎯 Midfielders: Babajide Adeeko, Harrison Bettoni, Tyrese Francois, Owen Moxon, Fraser Murray, Matthew Smith, Ryan Trevitt, Caylan Vickers, Jensen Weir, Callum Wright

⚽️ ForwardsMaleace Asamoah, Raphael Rodrigues Borges, Dara Costelloe, Joseph Hungbo, Callum McManaman, Christian Saydee, Joe Taylor

Match

I'll probably be a little more brief than usual today. I certainly don't want to diminish the quality of Wigan in any way, but given the competition they are in and especially given their form, Arsenal must handle the game with complete ease. This means that the dominance of the favourite should also clearly reflected in the final result. And that's regardless of what line-up the Spanish manager chooses in the end. Although it is a cup match, I have to put it in the category of „must win“. Apart from the obvious advantages on Arsenal's side, from the quality and breadth of the squad to the home environment and form, the north London footballers have a lot to make up for. After the oft-mentioned draw and especially a poor performance at Brentford, Mikel Arteta's charges have something to give back not only to the fans but more importantly to themselves. The Wigan game should be used to regain confidence and start a winning streak.

In terms of the expected course of the game, I guess I won't surprise anyone with my prediction. I don't think it's possible this time. Arsenal should keep the reins of the game firmly in their hands. As I wrote a moment ago, it should be a one-sided affair. However the basic pillar of success will be not to underestimate the opponent and to approach the match with full commitment. I firmly believe that the North London players are fully aware that they are not only playing for promotion to the next stage of the FA Cup, but also for a good atmosphere in the booth and in the stands. Both will play a vital role in the rest of the season. That concludes it for today. So now all that's left is the traditional tip for the exact result. Here it is. I predict Arsenal to win 4-0.

Next match

Arsenal's busy schedule continues after the weekend. Already on Wednesday 18 February 2026 because the Gunners will be heading in the 31st round at Molineux Stadium, where the hopelessly last Wolverhampton with the Czech representative Ladislav Krejci. Kickoff of the match, which was postponed due to Arsenal's participation in the EFL Cup final, is scheduled for 21:00 (CET).

See you next time, I'll look forward to it!

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