This fourth-round FA Cup tie could be one of those that has a surprise outcome. League One Wigan Athletic plays host to one of the form sides in the Premier League, Fulham. Although not one of the top flights big teams, this would still be a shock at the Brick Community Stadium.
FA Cup
Our Three Predictions For Wigan Athletic v Fulham
- Prediction 1 – Fulham To Win – 1/5
- Prediction 2 – Both Teams To Score – Yes – 21/20
- Prediction 3 – Match To End In A Draw – 9/2
First Prediction For Wigan Athletic v Fulham – Fulham To Win – 1/5
On paper, and indeed on the pitch, this does look a formality for the London side. Fulham disposed of Watford in the last round without too much trouble, and nothing but a similar outcome against weaker opposition will be a shock. Fulham have won three of their last away games, including a Boxing Day 2-1 victory at neighbours Chelsea, and more recently a great result at Newcastle United by the same score. Wigan have had some mixed results since the turn of the year, and are still in the wrong half on the League One table. Their home form is muddled too with no wins in December, but have picked up four points from their last two game on home turf. This though might be too much and The Cottagers are short odds for a reason.
Second Prediction For Wigan Athletic v Fulham – Both Teams To Score – Yes – 21/20
This looks to be decent value as both do find the net regularly, especially the visitors. The current form at home and away sees an equal split with both teams averaging two goals a game in their last five respectively. Wigan are ticking over at just under a goal a game overall, and in fact are spot on with that trend when conceding. At home they are a bit light with only 13 goals, and Fulham will defineelty fancy their chances of adding to the four they scored against Watford in the last round, as well as their 36 form 24 games in the Premier League, of which 18 of those have come on the road. The FA Cup is a leveller and Wigan could spring an early surprise with a goal but their more illustrious opponents will be hard to stop getting on the scoresheet too.
Third Prediction For Wigan Athletic v Fulham – Match To End In A Draw – 9/2
The best chance of Wigan making it through to the next round is if they force a draw. They do have a tight defence which goes in their favour in this tie as if they can get a lead early and have something to defend they may well frustrate a Fulham side that has drawn four times on the road and nine times overall in the league. This of course will give the home team some hope, as they have drawn seven times so far, with four of those at home. This is still a tough ask but stranger things have happened, and the FA Cup thrives on upsets.
Best Odds For Wigan Athletic v Fulham
| Bookmaker | Wigan Win | Draw | Fulham Win |
| MyriadPlay | 17/2 | 9/2 | 1/5 |
| GentlemanJim | 10/1 | 5/1 | 1/4 |
| Betarno | 9/1 | 49/10 | 1/4 |
Full Preview Of The Game: Last Results And Head To Head
Wigan Athletic can take their League One worries, and push them to the side for at least a day. Shaun Maloney will relish the chance of taking on one of footballs old guard. A chance of an upset is what all teams at this level dream of and a chance to put themselves on the map, and players a place in the spotlight. One of those will be Dale Taylor. The 21-year-old striker has six goals and seven assists this season, and will want to further his reputation in this game. Jonny Smith is another who will want to impress, and add to his three goals from midfield. In defence Toby Sibbick has a giant killing in his past when he helped AFC Wimbledon beat West Ham United in the same round as this five years ago.
Raul Jiminez and Alex Iwobi will be licking their lips at the prospect of goals in this tie, but also will be wary to take their time with any chances to save being embarrassed by drawing a blank. The pair have 16 goals between them , as well as five assists. The creative Fulham side is well drilled and disciplined by Marco Silva, as his own reputation grows. They are now a well established Premier League side, and although a place in Europe may be a little out of reach , they could be inspired by a deep run in the FA Cup. Emile Smith Rowe brings lots of experience, even at just 24. At the back they are led by American Antonee Robinson, who has been ever present this season, and Joachim Andersen is always steady in a back line that has only conceded twice in the last three games.
Confrontation |
Where To Watch Wigan Athletic v Fulham
- Location: The Brick Community Stadium, Wigan, Manchester
- Date And Time: February 8, 3pm
- TV Channel: This match is not due to be televised live
Probable Lineups For Wigan Athletic v Fulham
Probable Lineup For Wigan Athletic
Team: Tickle; Meillish, Kerr, Carragher, Sibbick; Smith, McHugh, Thomas, Weir, Smith; Taylor
Manager: Shaun Maloney
Probable Lineup For Fulham
Team: Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Berge, Traore, Rowe, Iwobi; Jimenez
Manager: Marco Silva
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