FA Cup: Wigan vs Manchester United: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Published at :January 6, 2024 at 3:00 PM

Modified at :January 13, 2024 at 11:30 AM

Manchester United face a tricky match against a lower-league side

With a 53-place gap on the league ladder, both teams share similarities in rebuilding efforts after financial chaos and years below their previous peaks. Despite contending with a substantial points deduction at the start of their season, Wigan managed a late equalizer against Barnsley on New Year’s Day, securing them the 17th spot in the third-tier table.

Erik ten Hag witnessed his team squander the momentum gained from a remarkable comeback victory against Aston Villa, only to loss in their subsequent away match against Nottingham Forest. This inconsistency has been a setback for the team’s recent form. Having exited European competition pre-Christmas, being eliminated from the Carabao Cup, and currently sitting seventh in the Premier League, FA Cup must be a priority for Erik ten Hag’s team.

Kick-Off:

Tuesday; 9 January 2024, 08:15 PM GMT (01:45 AM IST)

Location: DW Stadium

Form

Wigan (all competitions): L-L-L-W-D

Manchester United (all competitions): L-D-L-W-L

Players to watch

Charlie Wyke (Wigan)

In the absence of Stephen Humphrys, Wyke will be crucial for the home team in terms of goal scoring. He has contributed as many as seven goals in the Football League One. There is no better striker in League One than Charlie Wyke according to Shaun Maloney (Wigan’s manager). He was the best player in the League One in August. His ability to dominate aerial duels and create goal-scoring opportunities through his sheer presence in the box is a defining aspect of his style.

Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

No player has played more matches for Manchester United than Bruno Fernandes since his signing for the club. Fernandes is an energetic box-to-box playmaker known for his direct style, adept at taking on defenders and dictating the tempo of the game. Fernandes’ goal-scoring capabilities have drawn comparisons to former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard, particularly after surpassing Lampard’s record as the highest-scoring midfielder in a single European season.

Match Facts

Wigan have faced Premier League opponents in more FA Cup matches than any other team from outside the top tier.
Manchester United have won 18 of their 19 meetings with Wigan in all competitions.
Manchester United have been eliminated from just two of their last 38 FA Cup third round ties.

Injury and Team News

James Balagizi, on loan from Liverpool, concluded his tenure at Wigan prior to this cup match. Amidst the upcoming cup tie, Wigan faces absences from Tom Pearce and Jason Kerr, raising concerns about the availability of Stephen Humphrys and Scott Smith due to fitness issues.

Rasmus Hojlund, Victor Lindelof, and Luke Shaw are among the injured players closer to their return. Andre Onana will secure the goalkeeper position, having postponed his travel to join the Cameroon squad at the Africa Cup of Nations, potentially sidelining Altay Bayindir. Meanwhile, Sofyan Amrabat has joined the team after receiving a call-up from Morocco. Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro are back in training but they are not expected to feature in this match.

Head-to-Head

Matches: 19

Wigan: 1

Manchester United: 18

Draws: 0

Predicted lineup

Wigan predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Tickle; Robinson, Morrison, Hughes, Clare; Adeeko, Jonny Smith; Jones, Aasgaard, Godo; Wyke

Manchester United predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Evans, Dalot; Mainoo, Eriksen; Garnacho, Fernandes, Antony; Rashford

Match prediction for Wigan vs Manchester United

As the match approaches, Manchester United supporters might harbor concerns about the looming threat of an upset against Wigan. Wigan, despite their lower league status, may pose a challenge for Manchester United. Cup ties often bring unexpected twists, and Wigan might be aiming to capitalize on any vulnerabilities shown by United.

Prediction: Wigan 1-2 Manchester United

Telecast

India: Sony LIV

UK: BBC

USA: ESPN+

Nigeria: Supersport

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