Arsenal vs Wigan: FA Cup team news and analysis
By Joel Masibo, February 15, 2026Arsenal’s journey in the FA Cup continues with the fourth round assignments on Sunday, February 15, 2026, when Mikel Arteta’s charges welcome Wigan Athletic at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners booked their place in this stage thanks to a superb hat-trick from Gabriel Martinelli, which sealed a comfortable victory over Portsmouth in the previous round.
The last time the two sides met in this competition was during the 2013/14 semi-final. That encounter ended level before Arsenal triumphed in a penalty shootout and later edged Hull City 3-2 in the final to lift the trophy.
Cup focus for Wigan
Although Wigan have struggled domestically in League One and currently sit in the relegation places, their FA Cup journey has offered a welcome boost. The 2013 FA Cup winners stunned play-off chasing Preston North End away from home to reach this stage.
However, their league form has dipped sharply. Since that cup triumph, they have suffered four defeats and one draw, sliding to 23rd position. The downturn prompted the dismissal of manager Ryan Lowe after less than a year in charge. Interim responsibilities now fall to Glenn Whelan and Graham Barrow.
Voices from the dugout
Speaking ahead of the tie, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta highlighted the importance of the competition:
Arteta: “It’s an opportunity for the team, again, with another competition, and the history that we have related to that competition, it’s amazing. We’ll play at home again. I’m really excited to recover and go again,” he said.
From the Wigan camp, interim coach Barrow stressed the mental side of the occasion. Graham Barrow said, “Fear is a positive thing for the players. It’s like nerves. You read about top sportsmen, who say you need nerves, otherwise you don’t care about it. It has always been part of it.
“You have to learn to deal with it. You can’t be that nervous that you’re frightened…you need to use it as a motivator.”
Team updates
Arsenal remain without Mikel Merino due to a foot problem. Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard made substitute appearances in the recent win over Brentford after missing the Sunderland fixture.
William Saliba was unavailable last time out through illness, while Kai Havertz picked up a minor issue in the victory against Sunderland. Wigan, meanwhile, have reported no fresh injury concerns following their 2-1 defeat at home to Reading.
Tactical outlook
In recent matches, Wigan experimented with multiple formations, switching between a back three and more traditional four-man systems. Predicting their exact setup remains difficult.
They often channel much of their attacking play down the right flank, where Fraser Murray has been influential, delivering a high volume of crosses from open play in League One this season.
Statistically, Wigan have averaged under 45 per cent possession in league fixtures and saw that number drop significantly in their win over Preston. Arsenal can therefore expect to dominate the ball, while the visitors may sit deep and attempt to counter.
Former Arsenal academy graduate Matt Smith,a member of the squad that won the 2020 FA Cup,adds technical quality in midfield, though the Latics generally prefer a compact defensive structure before springing forward on the break.
Key numbers
This will be the first meeting between the sides since their 2014 FA Cup semi-final, where Arsenal advanced on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Wigan have lost 10 of their 11 away matches against Arsenal across all competitions.
Arsenal are aiming to reach the FA Cup fifth round for the first time since their triumphant 2019/20 campaign. All four goals in Arsenal’s third-round win over Portsmouth came from set-pieces.
A look back
The most memorable FA Cup clash between these sides came at Wembley in 2014. Wigan, the defending champions, threatened another upset after taking the lead. But a late header from Per Mertesacker forced extra time. In the shootout, goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski saved two penalties to secure a 4-2 victory and send Arsenal into the final, where they ended a nine-year wait for the trophy.
Sunday’s encounter now offers both sides fresh stakes—Arsenal chasing another deep run in a competition rich in club history, and Wigan seeking to prolong a cup adventure that has provided rare relief from league struggles.