The FA Cup Fourth Round presents a complete mismatch at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday as Premier League leaders Arsenal host a Wigan Athletic side in total disarray.
The Gunners were frustrated in a 1-1 draw against Brentford on Thursday night.
However, any issues at Arsenal pale in comparison to the crisis currently engulfing the Brick Community Stadium.
Wigan sacked manager Ryan Lowe earlier this week following a humiliating 6-1 drubbing by Peterborough United.
This leaves interim boss Glenn Whelan to pick up the pieces.
Mikel Arteta will heavily rotate his squad to preserve legs for the title race, but the gulf in class here is enormous.
Even Arsenal’s “rotation XI”—likely featuring summer signings like Martín Zubimendi and Piero Hincapie—should have far too much quality for a League One side languishing in the relegation zone.
The North London giants are favourites for both the Premier League and Champions League, underlining the size of the task facing the Latics at the Emirates.
Here is the lowdown on the game, our best bets, and how we see it playing out.
Arsenal vs Wigan Best Bets and Betting Tips
Arsenal -2.5 Handicap – 4/6
It is difficult to see anything other than a demolition job here.
Wigan are defensively broken, having conceded six goals in their last outing, and morale is at rock bottom.
Arsenal, even with changes, will be eager to make a statement.
With Gabriel Jesus looking for rhythm and Noni Madueke likely to start on the right, the Gunners possess too much pace for a Wigan backline that lacks confidence.
The technical level of Arsenal’s midfield, even potentially without Declan Rice, will suffocate the visitors.
Matt Smith to be Booked – 13/2
Wigan’s midfield is going to spend the majority of this match chasing the ball.
Matt Smith is the man often tasked with breaking up play in the engine room, and the data suggests he struggles when the pressure ramps up.
Smith has collected 5 yellow cards and 1 red card in League One this season, averaging a foul every 42 minutes.
Against the quick feet of Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli in the pockets, he will be forced into cynical challenges to prevent counter-attacks.
13/2 is a superb price for him to find the referee’s notebook.
Gabriel Jesus to Score Two or More – 10/3
With Kai Havertz sidelined, this is a prime audition for Gabriel Jesus.
The Brazilian thrives in these types of fixtures where he can drop deep, link play, and spin into the box against lower-tier defenders.
Wigan’s defensive structure under the interim management is an unknown quantity, but their confidence is non-existent.
Jesus scored in the previous round and will likely stay on the pitch for the full 90 minutes as the focal point of the attack.
Key Stats & Trends
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Defensive Collapse: Wigan conceded 6 goals in their last match against Peterborough United.
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Cup History: The last time these sides met in the FA Cup (2014), Arsenal needed penalties to win a dramatic semi-final at Wembley.
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Discipline Issues: Wigan have one of the worst disciplinary records in League One, with Matt Smith and Will Aimson frequently cautioned.
Arsenal vs Wigan Confirmed Lineups
Arsenal (4-3-3)
Confirmed XI:
GK: Kepa
DEF: White, Saliba, Mosquera, Calafiori
MID: Eze, Nørgaard, Lewis-Skelly
FWD: Madueke, Jesus, Martinelli
Wigan (3-4-2-1)
Confirmed XI:
GK: Tickle
DEF: Aimson, Kerr, Fox
MID: Hunt, Weir, Moxon, Murray
MID: Rodriguez, Wright
FWD: Taylor
How to Watch Arsenal vs Wigan
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Date: Sunday, February 15, 2026
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Kick-off: 16:30 GMT
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Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
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TV Channel: ITV1
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Live Stream: ITVX
Supporters outside the UK should check local broadcast listings, as coverage varies by territory.
Arsenal vs Wigan Match Winner Odds
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Arsenal: 1/12
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Draw: 9/1
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Wigan: 22/1
Odds correct at time of writing and subject to change.
Arsenal vs Wigan Correct Score Prediction
This has all the makings of a training ground exercise for Arsenal.
A Wigan side with no manager and no confidence is the perfect opponent for Arteta’s rotated side to build some rhythm.
The Gunners will almost certainly dominate possession from start to finish.
Once the first goal goes in, Wigan heads could drop given their recent trauma against Peterborough.
Expect a flurry of goals and a very comfortable afternoon for the hosts.
Arsenal 5-0 Wigan
