Arsenal welcome Wigan Athletic to the Emirates Stadium in a highly anticipated FA Cup clash, with kick-off set for this weekend.
The Gunners enter as overwhelming favourites, but Wigan’s direct style and attacking numbers suggest this could be a more open affair than the odds imply. With both sides showing a knack for finding the net, but with contrasting strengths—Arsenal’s control versus Wigan’s chaos—this tie could throw up drama for punters and neutrals alike.
Best Bets & Predictions
Based on Arsenal’s dominance in possession, Wigan’s high shot volume but defensive frailty, and the gulf in quality, here are our top betting recommendations. We’re especially confident in Arsenal to win to nil, given the Gunners’ control and Wigan’s struggles against top opposition.
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Both Teams to Score: Yes | 13/8 @ bet365 (38.1%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Wigan fire 34 shots a game; Arsenal’s only clean sheet stat is 0. |
| Correct Score: 3-0 Arsenal | 5/1 @ bet365 (16.7%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Arsenal clinical with 4 goals from 15 shots; Wigan porous in defence. |
Odds correct at the time of writing.
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Arsenal vs Wigan match odds
How both teams head into Arsenal vs Wigan
Arsenal’s 2025/26 FA Cup journey began in the third round with a tricky away tie against Championship side Portsmouth. Despite an early scare when Colby Bishop gave Pompey the lead, the Gunners showed their class, quickly equalising through an Andre Dozzell own goal before a superb hat-trick from Gabriel Martinelli sealed a comfortable 4-1 victory.
The win, which also saw a missed penalty from Noni Madueke, has set up a fourth-round clash with League One outfit Wigan Athletic at the Emirates Stadium. While their Premier League and Champions League campaigns are in full swing, Mikel Arteta’s side will be confident of a deep run in the cup, especially with the attacking firepower they possess. Fans will be hoping for another memorable FA Cup run as the Gunners chase silverware on multiple fronts.
Wigan Athletic’s FA Cup journey has been a welcome distraction from their League One struggles, where they currently sit in the relegation zone. The Latics have shown immense character to reach the fourth round, navigating three tough ties. Their campaign began with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Hemel Hempstead Town after a 1-1 draw, followed by another shootout win against Barrow following a 2-2 stalemate.
Their most impressive result came in the third round, a hard-fought 1-0 away victory against Championship side Preston North End. This has earned them a glamour tie away to Premier League leaders Arsenal. Under the guidance of interim manager Glenn Whelan, Wigan will be hoping to cause a major upset, and their resilient cup form suggests they won’t make it easy for the Gunners.
Arsenal team news
Mikel Arteta is facing a potential midfield crisis ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup tie with Wigan. Captain Martin Odegaard is a major doubt after picking up a knee knock against Brentford and was seen limping heavily. He joins Kai Havertz on the sidelines, who is out with a muscular problem. William Saliba could return after missing the midweek draw through illness, but Mikel Merino and Max Dowman remain long-term absentees for the Gunners.
Wigan team news
Wigan head to the Emirates in a state of flux, with the club currently managerless after Ryan Lowe’s recent departure. Caretaker duo Glenn Whelan and Graham Barrow have a number of injury concerns to contend with. Baba Adeeko, Luke Robinson and Harry McHugh are all confirmed to be out for the trip to north London. There is some positive news, however, with captain Jason Kerr now available after making his long-awaited return from injury last week
Head-to-Head
These sides have not met in competitive action since 2014, when Arsenal came out on top in this competition. The Gunners have won four of the last five meetings, with Wigan winning just once in this time.
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 12/04/14 | Wigan 1-2 Arsenal | FA Cup |
| 14/05/13 | Arsenal 4-1 Wigan | Premier League |
| 22/12/12 | Wigan 0-1 Arsenal | Premier League |
| 16/04/12 | Arsenal 1-2 Wigan | Premier League |
| 03/12/11 | Wigan 0-4 Arsenal | Premier League |
Conclusion
Will Arsenal’s quality and control prove too much for a Wigan side that loves to attack but struggles to keep teams out? All signs point to a home win, but Wigan’s shot volume hints at possible surprises—making Both Teams to Score at 13/8 (38.1%) with bet365 a value play for those seeking a bigger payout alongside the banker home win.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
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