FA Cup Betting Tips: Martinelli to Shine for Arsenal vs Wigan

Arsenal turn their attention to the FA Cup this Sunday, February 15th, 2026, following a recent Premier League setback. The Gunners, already with a cup final appearance secured, are heavily favored to advance past League One’s Wigan Athletic in a match kicking off at 16:30 GMT, broadcast on TNT Sports 1.

Wigan arrives at the Emirates Stadium in a precarious position, battling relegation in League One. Their recent form has been dismal, with only one win in their last nine matches – a cup victory over Preston North End – and six defeats. The club recently parted ways with manager Ryan Lowe, and the uncertainty surrounding a replacement adds to the challenge of facing a Premier League powerhouse.

Mikel Arteta is expected to rotate his squad, but even Arsenal’s ‘second string’ possesses considerable quality, capable of comfortably overcoming a struggling League One opponent. The focus for many observers, and betting markets, centers on Gabriel Martinelli. Having been a substitute in Arsenal’s midweek draw with Brentford, Martinelli is anticipated to start and is considered a strong scoring prospect.

Betting analysts highlight Martinelli’s impressive goal-scoring record this season, with 10 goals across all competitions despite limited playing time. His average of 0.68 goals per 90 minutes, coupled with a strong expected goals (xG) per 90 of 0.58, suggests he represents excellent value in the anytime scorer market, currently priced at 13/10 with bet365. The comparison is stark: Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes is available at 3/1 to score, further emphasizing the value in backing Martinelli.

The potential for a significant performance from Martinelli extends beyond simply finding the net. Opportunities exist to capitalize on his form with bets on him scoring two or more goals (8/1 with bet365) and even three or more goals (40/1 with bet365). His hat-trick in the previous FA Cup round against Portsmouth, against lower league opposition, provides a precedent for such an outcome. Given Arsenal’s expected dominance in possession and territory, these longer-odds wagers are considered worthwhile ‘swing’ bets.

Further value is identified in Martinelli scoring a header at 14/1 with bet365. His recent performances demonstrate a threat from set-pieces, having scored two headers from corners against Portsmouth and coming close against Nottingham Forest. Arsenal’s anticipated control of the game and resulting set-piece opportunities make this a potentially lucrative bet.

The suggested staking plan is designed to secure a profit should Martinelli score at all, with any additional goals representing a bonus. This approach balances risk and reward, capitalizing on the perceived value in Martinelli’s scoring potential.

Arsenal’s squad depth is a key factor in their cup ambitions. Their ability to field a competitive team regardless of personnel changes underscores their commitment to success on multiple fronts. Wigan, facing a challenging league campaign and managerial instability, represent a significant contrast in terms of resources, and form.

The FA Cup offers Wigan a potential opportunity for a cup upset, but the odds are heavily stacked against them. Arsenal’s quality, combined with Martinelli’s expected impact, makes them overwhelming favorites to progress to the next round. The focus for Wigan will likely be on damage limitation and attempting to provide a competitive showing against a superior opponent.

The match provides an intriguing contrast in styles and ambitions. Arsenal will aim to dominate possession and control the tempo, while Wigan will likely adopt a more defensive approach, hoping to frustrate their opponents and capitalize on any opportunities that arise. The outcome will likely hinge on Arsenal’s ability to break down Wigan’s defense and Martinelli’s effectiveness in front of goal.