Arsenal Starting XI vs Wigan: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Wigan: Rotation plans and injury latest before FA Cup clash

Arsenal’s predicted lineup for the FA Cup tie against Wigan reflects a familiar balancing act for Mikel Arteta, whose side remain firmly in the Premier League title conversation while navigating a packed February calendar. Arteta is expected to rotate heavily at Emirates Stadium, preserving key starters ahead of trips to Wolves and Tottenham that could shape Arsenal’s league season.

Arsenal’s squad depth has improved under Arteta, yet fixture congestion still demands calculated decisions. The Gunners played Brentford days earlier and have little margin for fatigue, particularly with Manchester City and others setting relentless pace at the top. Arteta’s approach mirrors the pragmatic rotations seen across elite Premier League sides chasing silverware on multiple fronts.

A predicted 4-2-3-1 system has been widely suggested, with Kepa Arrizabalaga set to start in goal, offering continuity in domestic cups. Defensively, Ben White could return alongside Mosquera, Hincapie and Calafiori, giving minutes to players short of recent starts while protecting core starters for league action.

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Injury latest impacting Arsenal selection

Arsenal’s injury latest remains central to team selection. Kai Havertz is ruled out with a muscle problem, while Mikel Merino faces a longer spell on the sidelines following foot surgery. William Saliba missed the Brentford match through illness, though that issue is understood to be short-term. Martin Odegaard also finished that match with knee discomfort, making him unlikely to feature in the cup tie.

These absences limit midfield options. Arteta may lean on Christian Norgaard alongside Myles Lewis-Skelly, offering a blend of control and youthful energy. Eberechi Eze, seeking consistency after recent struggles, could start in an advanced role.

For Arsenal, injury management is not merely precautionary; it is strategic. Recent Premier League history shows that title challenges often hinge on squad health. Liverpool’s near-miss seasons under Jurgen Klopp and Manchester City’s depth under Pep Guardiola offer contrasting lessons. Arteta appears determined to learn from both.

Predicted lineup and tactical shape

The predicted lineup circulating among reporters suggests:

Kepa; White, Mosquera, Hincapie, Calafiori; Norgaard, Lewis-Skelly; Madueke, Eze, Martinelli; Jesus.

This configuration would allow Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus to regain rhythm, while Bukayo Saka, recently back from a hip issue, may be used cautiously from the bench. Arteta’s system demands relentless pressing and positional discipline, and fringe players must show they can execute those principles.

From a tactical perspective, Arsenal will expect territorial dominance. Wigan, currently in League One, will likely defend deep, inviting Arsenal’s wide players to stretch the pitch. The midfield pairing’s task will be to recycle possession quickly while guarding against counter-attacks, an area Arsenal have occasionally struggled with this season.

For analysts tracking Arsenal’s title push, performances in these matches reveal squad trust levels. Who Arteta selects, and how they perform, often predicts usage during decisive league fixtures.

Match context and expectations

Arsenal’s FA Cup history adds another layer. Arteta lifted the trophy early in his tenure, using it to build belief. With the title race tightening and Champions League ambitions alive, this competition offers both opportunity and risk.

Wigan arrive as underdogs, yet FA Cup shocks remain part of English football’s charm. Arsenal’s rotation policy must balance freshness with cohesion. Too many changes can disrupt rhythm; too few risk burnout.

For Arsenal supporters, the predicted lineup is less about one match and more about trajectory. Title races are decided over months, not moments, and every selection decision reflects the broader ambition to return Arsenal to domestic dominance.