Arsenal Unleashes Fresh Squad Against Wigan in FA Cup Showdown—Latest Injury Updates and Starting XI Revealed
Arsenal aim to maintain their pursuit of four trophies as they welcome League One side Wigan Athletic for their FA Cup fourth round clash.
The North London club has already secured their spot in the Carabao Cup final and are positioned favorably to break their twenty-year Premier League title drought. Their European Champions League journey has been impressive thus far, and they kicked off their FA Cup run with a commanding 4–1 victory over Portsmouth.
The struggling Wigan side is unlikely to pose a significant challenge for Mikel Arteta's squad as they seek progression to the fifth round. Even with extensive squad rotation, a comfortable victory should be expected.
Match Snapshot
Match Snapshot
Arsenal Team News
Arsenal Team News
Arsenal face minimal injury worries ahead of Wigan's visit following the recent returns of captain Martin Ødegaard and star player Bukayo Saka. Only Kai Havertz, Mikel Merino, and Max Dowman remain definitively ruled out for Sunday's fixture.
Questions surround William Saliba's availability after he sat out the midweek Brentford stalemate due to illness, though he seems doubtful to feature in the starting eleven even if he makes the squad.
Fringe players including Kepa Arrizabalaga, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Christian Nørgaard are expected to receive starting opportunities.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Wigan (4-2-3-1)
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Wigan (4-2-3-1)
GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga—The Spanish keeper has served as Arsenal's cup competition goalkeeper and will reclaim his place in the starting eleven for what promises to be a routine match against Wigan.
RB: Ben White—Sunday provides an ideal rest opportunity for Jurriën Timber, with White serving as an excellent alternative for this type of fixture.
CB: Cristhian Mosquera—Following Saliba's illness-related absence, Mosquera featured in Thursday's Brentford draw, and Arteta may turn to his solid summer acquisition again this weekend.
CB: Riccardo Calafiori—With Arsenal facing another Premier League match on Wednesday, Arteta cannot miss the chance for significant rotation. Gabriel appears set to be rested with Calafiori stepping into the starting lineup.
LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly—Arteta has favored more physically imposing, defensively solid left-backs this campaign, which has limited Lewis-Skelly's opportunities to cup competitions.
DM: Christian Nørgaard—Arsenal's midfield options are limited, but Nørgaard provides reliable stability. The former Brentford player was an astute summer acquisition, ideal for cup ties against lower-division teams.
DM: Declan Rice—Merino's foot problem and Havertz's unavailability may force Rice into the Wigan starting eleven. Should he play, an early substitution seems probable.
RW: Noni Madueke—Saka's midweek substitute appearance should end Madueke's Premier League starting streak. He has performed admirably during his teammate's absence and will likely feature on Sunday.
AM: Eberechi Eze—Eze endured a difficult midweek outing at Brentford and was substituted at halftime. A solid display against Wigan is essential to restore confidence after last season's FA Cup final disappointment.
LW: Gabriel Martinelli—The Brazilian netted a treble in the previous Portsmouth victory, with his finest displays this season coming in cup and Champions League matches.
ST: Gabriel Jesus—Viktor Gyökeres' recent scoring streak has relegated Jesus to a substitute role once more. He will be eager to make his case to Arteta on Sunday.