Arteta Makes Significant Changes for FA Cup Tie

Arsenal has confirmed its starting lineup for Sunday’s FA Cup fourth-round clash with Wigan Athletic at the Emirates Stadium. Manager Mikel Arteta has made a total of eight changes to the team that drew 1-1 with Brentford in Thursday’s Premier League match.

The most notable change is the inclusion of 19-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly in midfield. He will start alongside Eberechi Eze and Christian Norgaard.

Midfield Adjustments Due to Injuries and Rotation

The midfield changes are necessitated by injuries to Mikel Merino, Kai Havertz and captain Martin Odegaard. Arteta too opted to rest Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, creating an opportunity for Lewis-Skelly to gain valuable experience in the left-eight position.

This allows Riccardo Calafiori to play in his familiar left-back role.

Defensive and Attacking Changes

Cristhian Mosquera will partner with William Saliba at center-back, potentially filling the role typically occupied by Gabriel Magalhaes. Ben White and Kepa Arrizabalaga have also been added to the backline, while Tommy Setford and Marli Salmon are on the bench in place of David Raya and Jurrien Timber.

Further forward, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli will start, replacing Viktor Gyokeres and Leandro Trossard. Noni Madueke retains his spot on the right flank, with Bukayo Saka expected to return for next weekend’s North London derby.

Wigan’s FA Cup Pedigree

Wigan Athletic, currently 22nd in League One, will be without a player who previously won the FA Cup with Arsenal, Matt Smith, who is not in their starting lineup.

Arteta on the FA Cup

“It’s an opportunity for the team, again, with another competition, and the history that we have related to that competition, it’s amazing. We’ll play at home again. I’m really excited to recover and go again.”

Mikel Arteta, pre-match press conference

“We haven’t been good enough on that day, and when you arrive to a competition, you have to be excellent on the day, and the rest, the shirt that you wear, or the badge that you wear, is irrelevant. So we’re going to have to prove that against Wigan again on Sunday.”

Mikel Arteta, pre-match press conference

FAQ

• Who is starting in midfield for Arsenal? Myles Lewis-Skelly, Eberechi Eze, and Christian Norgaard.
• How many changes has Arteta made to the lineup? Eight changes.
• Why is Lewis-Skelly starting? Due to injuries and rotation of key players.