🏏 Sun, 15 Feb 2026 16:30 GMT
Arsenal FC
vs
Wigan
4-2-3-1 vs 3-4-2-1
Substitutes
Substitutes
Match Preview
- An FA Cup third-round tie between Arsenal, who are contesting the top of the Premier League, and League One (third-tier) side Wigan. With two divisions between the sides, it is a classic giant-killing challenge for Wigan.
- Arsenal line up in a 4-2-3-1 and, even with a cup-tie selection, boast a lavish attacking cast of Saka, Martinelli and Madueke. Madueke's left-footed cut-ins, in particular, will pose a major threat to Wigan's back three after his move from Chelsea.
- Kepa Arrizabalaga starts in goal. The former world-record goalkeeper gets minutes in the cup. On the bench are first-team-calibre names in Gyokeres, Trossard, Zubimendi and Rice, raising the prospect of the game being settled by second-half introductions.
- In Wigan's 3-4-2-1 formation, the matchup between the wing-backs and wide midfielders against Arsenal's 4-2-3-1 is key. In particular, how far Rafael Borges Rodrigues can cope with Lewis-Skelly's forward runs is one to watch.
- Wigan's bench includes Matt Smith. An Arsenal academy graduate, Smith was a member of the 2020 FA Cup-winning squad. This is a return to his old ground at the Emirates, and any appearance off the bench would make for an emotional moment.
- Wigan are a club with history, having won the FA Cup in 2013. Their upset of Manchester City in that final is still talked about, and the cup DNA remains rooted in the club. They will want to sit in a low block, defend as a unit, and find a way through with set pieces and counters.
- Arsenal's centre-back pairing is Mosquera and Saliba. Beyond Saliba's elite Premier League solidity, the question is whether Mosquera's strength in duels can shut down Wigan's long-ball game. Watch the battle with Wigan's lone striker, Joe Taylor.