Arsenal vs Wigan: FA Cup Lineups, Team News & Arteta Rotation
- LONDON – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is preparing to rotate his squad significantly for Sunday’s FA Cup fourth-round clash against League One’s Wigan Athletic at the Emirates Stadium.
- Arteta’s willingness to prioritize player freshness is evident, particularly after a 1-1 draw with Brentford on Thursday.
- Kepa Arrizabalaga is expected to feature in goal, continuing his role as Arsenal’s domestic cup goalkeeper.
LONDON – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is preparing to rotate his squad significantly for Sunday’s FA Cup fourth-round clash against League One’s Wigan Athletic at the Emirates Stadium. The decision comes amidst a busy schedule for the Gunners, who are competing on multiple fronts – the Premier League title race, the Carabao Cup, and the Champions League – and with crucial league fixtures against Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur looming next week.
Arteta’s willingness to prioritize player freshness is evident, particularly after a 1-1 draw with Brentford on Thursday. The manager recognizes the importance of maintaining a competitive edge across all competitions, but acknowledges the need to manage the workload of key players. “We know what the competition means to the club,” Arteta stated, emphasizing the significance of the FA Cup within Arsenal’s history and ambitions.
Kepa Arrizabalaga is expected to feature in goal, continuing his role as Arsenal’s domestic cup goalkeeper. Defensively, Ben White is likely to start at right-back, providing a rest for Jurriën Timber. The center-back pairing will likely include Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori, offering opportunities for players to gain valuable minutes. Myles Lewis-Skelly is anticipated to start at left-back.
Midfield presents a more complex situation due to several absences. Mikel Merino remains sidelined following foot surgery, while Kai Havertz is unavailable due to a muscle issue. Max Dowman has returned to training after an ankle injury, but his match fitness is still being assessed. Martin Ødegaard’s return against Brentford was tempered by a knee problem, and while he has confirmed the injury is “not too bad,” he is unlikely to be risked against Wigan. This situation could provide an opportunity for Eberechi Eze to impress, despite recent struggles, and potentially for Lewis-Skelly to gain further experience in midfield.
The attacking lineup is also expected to see changes, though the extent remains unclear. Gabriel Martinelli’s recent performance, including a hat-trick against Portsmouth in the previous FA Cup round, highlights the depth of Arsenal’s attacking options. However, Arteta is likely to distribute playing time to ensure key attackers remain sharp for the more demanding Premier League matches.
Wigan Athletic, currently competing in League One, will undoubtedly face a significant challenge at the Emirates Stadium. Manager Shaun Maloney recently revealed he had a conversation with a Premier League manager – though he did not disclose who – ahead of the match, seeking insights into Arsenal’s playing style and potential strategies. The Latics earned their place in the fourth round with a 1-0 victory over Preston North End, demonstrating their cup credentials.
Arsenal’s recent form has been strong, with a DWWWW record across all competitions. Their ability to score from set-pieces has been particularly notable, leading the 2025-26 competition in goals from dead-ball situations. However, the draw against Brentford served as a reminder of the competitive intensity of the Premier League and the need for consistent performance.
William Saliba’s availability remains uncertain. He missed the match against Brentford due to illness, and while the issue is believed to be short-term, Arteta may choose to rest him as a precaution. The manager will carefully assess Saliba’s condition before making a final decision.
This FA Cup tie represents an opportunity for Arsenal to continue their pursuit of a quadruple – the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, and Champions League. Having already secured their place in the Carabao Cup final, Arteta’s side is well-positioned to challenge for major honors this season. However, the manager is acutely aware of the need to balance ambition with pragmatism, ensuring his players are physically and mentally prepared for the challenges ahead.
For Wigan Athletic, the match offers a chance to test themselves against one of the Premier League’s leading teams and potentially cause a major upset. While the odds are stacked against them, the FA Cup has a history of producing unexpected results, and Maloney’s side will be determined to make a competitive showing at the Emirates Stadium.
Kick-off is scheduled for at 4:30 p.m. GMT (11:30 a.m. ET, 8:30 a.m. PT). The match promises to be an intriguing encounter, with Arsenal aiming to rotate effectively while Wigan look to spring a surprise.