Get ready for a thrilling FA Cup showdown! William Saliba’s return from illness headlines Arsenal’s starting lineup as Mikel Arteta shakes things up with eight bold changes for their fourth-round clash against Wigan Athletic at home. But here’s where it gets intriguing: after missing the Brentford trip, Saliba slots into a revamped backline alongside Cristhian Mosquera, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and captain Ben White, all shielding Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal—the same keeper who started the previous round against Portsmouth. And this is the part most people miss: the midfield duo of Christian Norgaard and Eberechi Eze could be the game-changers, while up front, hat-trick hero Gabriel Martinelli joins Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Jesus in a formidable attack. Controversially, some fans are already debating whether this lineup is too experimental for a crucial cup tie—what do you think?
On the bench, Arsenal’s academy stars Marli Salmon and Ceadach O’Neill are joined by the likes of Tommy Setford, Piero Hincapie, and Declan Rice, ready to make an impact. Meanwhile, Wigan Athletic make three changes from their 2-1 defeat to Reading, with Owen Moxon, Raphael Rodrigues, and Joe Taylor stepping in, while former Gunner Matt Smith drops to the bench. Is this Wigan’s chance to pull off an upset, or will Arsenal’s depth prove too much?
Here’s how they line up:
Arsenal: Arrizabalaga, White, Saliba, Mosquera, Lewis-Skelly, Norgaard, Eze, Saka, Madueke, Martinelli, Jesus
Substitutes: Setford, Hincapie, Gabriel, Gyokeres, Trossard, Zubimendi, Rice, Salmon, O’Neill
Wigan Athletic: Tickle, Fox, Aimson, Kerr, Hunt, Murray, Wier, Moxon, Raphael, Wright, Taylor
Substitutes: Savin, Sessegnon, Smith, Hungbo, McManaman, Bettoni, Costelloe, Saydee, Asamoah Jr
Don’t miss our in-depth preview of this fourth-round clash below! And remember, is Arteta’s lineup a masterstroke or a risky gamble? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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