The FA Cup fourth round brings an intriguing clash between Arsenal and Wigan Athletic at the Emirates Stadium. The Premier League leaders host a third-tier opponent in what looks like a classic David vs Goliath encounter. Arsenal, the 2019–20 champions, are aiming to extend their excellent form across all competitions, while Wigan hope to defy the odds and reach the fifth round for the first time in several seasons. The two sides last met in this competition back in 2013–14, when Arsenal advanced after a dramatic penalty shootout. This time, the stakes are just as high, with both teams eager to keep their FA Cup dreams alive.

Arsenal’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Arsenal enter this fixture in superb shape, having gone five matches unbeaten across all competitions. Their recent 1–1 draw away to Brentford on February 12 kept them four points clear at the top of the Premier League table. Over their last five outings, the Gunners have recorded four wins and one draw, averaging 2.4 goals scored and just 0.6 conceded per match. In the FA Cup, they began their campaign with a convincing 4–1 victory over Portsmouth in the third round, showing both attacking flair and defensive control.

At home, Arsenal have been nearly untouchable. They have avoided defeat in 19 of their last 20 matches at the Emirates and have scored in 19 of those games. Their consistency is further highlighted by the fact that they have not trailed at half time in their last 17 home fixtures. The team’s attacking rhythm remains strong, with goals coming regularly in the second half — over 0.5 goals have been scored after the break in 18 of their last 20 home matches.

In terms of personnel, Arsenal are missing several key players through injury, including Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Mikel Merino, and Max Dowman, while William Saliba is sidelined due to illness. Nevertheless, the squad’s depth allows them to remain competitive on multiple fronts. Gabriel Martinelli has been a standout performer, scoring a hat-trick in the previous FA Cup round and emerging as the team’s top scorer in the competition. His pace and finishing ability could once again prove decisive against lower-league opposition.

Wigan Athletic’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Wigan Athletic arrive in North London struggling for form. The Latics are winless in their last six matches, including four consecutive defeats. Their most recent outing ended in a 2–1 home loss to Reading on February 10, a result that underlined their defensive vulnerabilities. Over their last five games, Wigan have averaged just 1.0 goal scored while conceding 2.8 per match, a worrying trend ahead of facing one of England’s most potent attacks.

Despite their league struggles, Wigan’s FA Cup journey has been commendable. They entered the competition in the first round, advancing twice via penalty shootouts — first against Hemel Hempstead Town and then Barrow — before securing a narrow 1–0 away win over Preston North End in the third round. Their resilience in knockout football has been impressive, but they now face a far greater challenge against a Premier League powerhouse.

Statistically, Wigan’s matches in this competition tend to be tight. Under 1.5 goals have been scored at half time in each of their last 11 FA Cup games, and under 3.5 total goals have been recorded in their last 10 away fixtures in the tournament. They have also drawn at half time in seven consecutive FA Cup away matches, showing a tendency to keep things balanced early on before fading in the second half. However, they have lost at half time in their last three away games overall, suggesting a recent decline in first-half performances.

On the personnel front, Wigan have two doubts for this tie — James Carragher and Harry McHugh — but interim managers Glenn Whelan and Graham Barrow are expected to field a competitive lineup. Forward Joe Taylor, on loan from Huddersfield, is likely to lead the attack. The 23-year-old has three league goals this season and will be eager to open his FA Cup account against elite opposition.

Arsenal vs Wigan Athletic Analysis and Prediction

This fixture has all the ingredients of a one-sided affair, with Arsenal expected to dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities. The Gunners have avoided defeat in 35 of their last 37 matches and have scored in 35 of those, underlining their attacking consistency. Meanwhile, Wigan Athletic’s defensive record — conceding nearly three goals per game recently — suggests they could struggle to contain the Premier League leaders.

Historically, Arsenal have had the upper hand in this matchup, winning three of the last five meetings and averaging 2.2 goals scored per game while conceding just 0.8. Given the gulf in quality and current form, it would take a monumental effort from Wigan to pull off an upset. Arsenal’s attacking depth, combined with their home advantage, makes them overwhelming favorites to progress comfortably to the next round.

However, betting directly on an Arsenal win offers limited value due to their short odds. Instead, the focus shifts to the goal markets. With Arsenal’s offensive firepower and Wigan’s defensive issues, a high-scoring contest appears likely. The Gunners have scored at least once in nearly every recent match, and their second-half performances have been particularly strong. Wigan’s tendency to concede late could further inflate the scoreline.

Arsenal vs Wigan Athletic prediction by BetMines:
Over 3.5 goals with 57% probability.