In the FA Cup Round of 32 on February 15, 2026, Arsenal will face Wigan. The visitors can only hope that the favorite will field a truly experimental lineup.
The Emirates giants have finished runners-up in the Premier League three times in a row. This season, they are clearly intent on clinching the title and have consistently held the top spot. However, they only managed a 1-1 draw against Brentford in the last round. Moreover, they are competing in the Champions League, where they set a record with eight group-stage wins, and in the League Cup, where they beat Chelsea twice in the semi-finals.
Wigan were recently a solid Premier League mid-table side with some cup success. Now, however, they are in League One and last season finished only fifteenth, even at that level. This season, they could face yet another relegation. In the previous round, they lost to Reading.
In the cup, the Premier League leaders started with a trip to Portsmouth. There, despite conceding in the third minute, they eventually secured a 4-1 win. Ryan Lowe’s side have already knocked out three opponents, including Preston away in January, winning 1-0.
Arsenal vs Wigan: Key Stats and Trends
Arsenal have won seven of their last nine matches
On average, Arsenal score 1.92 goals and concede 0.69 goals per match
46% of Arsenal’s matches end with goals from both teams and the average total goals per match is 2.62
Wigan have lost six of their last eight games
Wigan Athletic average 1.03 goals scored and 1.4 goals conceded per match
50% of Wigan’s matches end with goals from both teams and the average total goals per match is 2.43
Arsenal vs Wigan: Probable Starting Lineups
Arsenal (probable lineup): Arrizabalaga – Lewis-Skelly, Gabriel, Nørgaard, White – Eze, Merino, Nwaneri – Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Madueke
Wigan (probable lineup): Tickle – Fox, Carragher, Aimson – Hungbo, Wright, Bettoni, Smith, Weir, Borges – Costello
Previous Meetings: Arsenal vs Wigan
In Wigan’s last Premier League season, 2012/2013, they lost both matches against the London side. A year later, the clubs met in the FA Cup semi-final, and the favorite advanced only after winning the penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw.
