Get ready for a thrilling FA Cup clash as Arsenal faces Wigan in a David vs. Goliath showdown, but here’s the twist: Mikel Arteta’s lineup is set to shake things up big time! With the Gunners juggling a hectic schedule, including a Premier League title race, this fourth-round tie comes just three days after their grueling draw with Brentford. And this is where it gets interesting: Arteta is expected to heavily rotate his squad, giving fringe players a rare chance to shine before crucial matches against Wolves and Tottenham next week.
Cup specialist Kepa Arrizabalaga will take his place between the sticks, while Ben White and the relatively unseen Myles Lewis-Skelly are poised to feature after weeks on the sidelines. But here’s where it gets controversial: Arteta’s midfield options are thinner than he’d like, thanks to Martin Odegaard’s recent knee scare. Despite the Arsenal captain downplaying the injury, his absence opens the door for Eberechi Eze to prove his worth—something he’s struggled with lately. Could this be his turning point? Meanwhile, Lewis-Skelly might finally get his moment in midfield, adding an element of unpredictability.
Up front, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli are likely starters, but this is the part most people miss: Bukayo Saka, fresh off a hip injury, is fit but unlikely to start. Will Arteta risk him, or play it safe? The predicted lineup (4-2-3-1) looks like this: Kepa; White, Mosquera, Hincapie, Calafiori; Norgaard, Lewis-Skelly; Madueke, Eze, Martinelli; Jesus. With Havertz and Merino injured, and doubts over Saliba, Odegaard, and Dowman, this game is a test of Arsenal’s depth.
Here’s the burning question: Is Arteta’s rotation a masterstroke or a risky gamble? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! Catch all the action at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 3 pm, live on TNT Sports. This isn’t just a cup tie—it’s a glimpse into Arsenal’s future.
