FAC: Arsenal v Wigan Athletic

Doors open at 9.30a. Doubleheader! WSL: Brighton & Hove Albion v Arsenal screens from doors to the men's kick-off.

On the road to Wigan fear?

After a lacklustre visit to West London, Arsenal will aim to brush aside Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup fourth round as they continue their chase for silverware. Currently atop the Premier League and still very much in contention across four competitions, including a Carabao Cup final and Champions League campaign, the Gunners have gone unbeaten in recent outings and maintain dominant form at home. Holders of the FA Cup record with 14 titles, Arsenal haven’t progressed past this stage since lifting the trophy in 2020, so a confident performance here is key to restoring their pedigree. Arteta has already signalled rotation to keep legs fresh after the midweek draw with Brentford, meaning fringe players will be hungry to shine alongside established stars like Gabriel Martinelli, whose hat-trick in the third round underlined his sharpness.

By contrast, Wigan Athletic arrive in North London fighting for survival down in the League One relegation zone and desperate for a morale-boosting cup result. The Latics sit 22nd in the third tier, with a tough league campaign compounded by a recent heavy defeat and the departure of manager Ryan Lowe, with Glenn Whelan now in interim charge as the club battles on multiple fronts. Their League One troubles have been well documented, with defensive frailties and a lack of recent wins leaving them vulnerable against high-calibre opposition. However, a cup tie at the Emirates is a chance for Wigan’s squad to embrace the occasion and cause an upset, just as Raphael Borges Rodrigues has spoken about the occasion being a defining moment in his young career. For Arsenal fans used to big nights in this competition, it’s a reminder that football’s magic can still spring surprises, even if the Gunners remain overwhelming favourites to advance.

Is the fifth round in the cards for Mikel Arteta's men or will the struggling minnows pull off a giant-killing for the ages? Head over to Dillon's and start your Sunday with the best supporters in Boston!

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