The **FA Cup** is where giants stumble and dreams are forged, and this weekend, all eyes turn to a potential seismic upset as struggling **Wigan Athletic** prepares to host league leaders **Arsenal**. Can **Glenn Whelan's** underdogs conjure some magic against **Mikel Arteta's** title hopefuls?
Key Points:
- **Wigan Athletic** faces **Arsenal** in the FA Cup 4th round under interim manager **Glenn Whelan**.
- **Whelan** sought tactical advice from **Brentford** boss **Keith Andrews**, a former international teammate.
- **Brentford** recently held **Arsenal** to a **1-1 draw**, showcasing a potential blueprint.
- **Mikel Arteta** emphasizes focus, acknowledging **Arsenal's** need to be "excellent" on the day.
The Underdog's Mountain: Wigan's FA Cup Challenge
**Wigan Athletic** enters this **FA Cup** tie in turmoil, languishing third-from-bottom in **League One** after a dismal run of form, including a crushing **6-1** defeat to **Peterborough United**. Interim boss **Glenn Whelan** has been thrust into the hot seat following **Ryan Lowe's** sacking, tasked with galvanizing a squad that has secured just **seven wins** in **30 fixtures**.
Their formidable opponent, **Premier League** leaders **Arsenal**, presents an Everest-sized challenge. Yet, the magic of the **FA Cup** thrives on such David-and-Goliath narratives, offering the Latics a rare chance to make a statement far beyond their league standing.
Whelan's Premier League Playbook: Tapping into Brentford's Blueprint
In a shrewd move to prepare for the monumental task, **Wigan's** interim manager **Glenn Whelan** revealed he immediately consulted **Brentford** boss **Keith Andrews**. The two, former **Republic of Ireland** international teammates, discussed strategy, particularly focusing on set-piece plays with **Brentford's** set-piece coach **Stephen Rice**.
This direct link to a team that just frustrated **Arsenal** is a stroke of genius. **Whelan** clearly recognizes the value of insights from a manager who recently disrupted **Mikel Arteta's** title aspirations, aiming to adapt a similar resilient approach for **Wigan's FA Cup** encounter.
Unpacking Brentford's Tactical Masterclass Against Arsenal
**Brentford's 1-1 draw** against **Arsenal** served as a stark reminder that even top teams can be vulnerable. **Keith Andrews**, lauded by **Whelan** as "unbelievable" for his work at **Brentford**, has steered his side to **seventh** in the **Premier League**, defying preseason expectations.
Their ability to maintain defensive solidity while exploiting weaknesses will undoubtedly be a key area of study for **Wigan**. **Andrews'** leadership has been transformative, offering a tangible example of how tactical discipline can challenge the league's elite.
Arteta's Stern Warning: No Room for Complacency
Despite the recent **Premier League** setback against **Brentford**, **Arsenal** manager **Mikel Arteta** remains unwavering in his focus on the **FA Cup**. He emphasized the team's familiarity with juggling multiple competitions and the need to fully recharge for Sunday's clash.
**Arteta** clearly remembers **Arsenal's** last **FA Cup** triumph in **2020** and understands the pressure to add more silverware. He delivered a stern warning, stating that reputation means "irrelevant" on the day, demanding "excellence" from his squad against **Wigan**. This underscores the Gunners' intent to avoid any upsets.
The Road Ahead: Beyond the Cup Drama
Following the high-stakes **FA Cup** tie, **Arsenal** will return to **Premier League** action against **Wolves**, while **Wigan** faces **Luton** in league play. This weekend's match represents more than just a cup game; it's a litmus test for **Wigan's** resilience and **Arsenal's** championship mentality.
Both clubs share the proud distinction of being past **FA Cup** winners, a testament to their respective histories. However, their trajectories have dramatically diverged since those moments of glory, setting the stage for a classic cup encounter where history could either inspire or be rewritten.
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