English football clubs face a break from league action this weekend as the FA Cup third round commences with various matches to look out for. A struggling Manchester United will also be in action on Monday night as they travel to Wigan to take on League One side Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium.
It is the magic of the FA Cup where the biggest clubs from the Premier League can face the smallest teams from the lowest of leagues in England. Although Wigan Athletic are FA Cup winners as recent as 2013, they have had a poor last decade, and are currently languishing in 18th place in the EFL League One. Their troubles have gotten worse over the last couple years, having been relegated from the Championship last season amid financial troubles and the Latics have also faced points deduction after the management failed to pay player wages.
This season has not been any better as they find themselves battling relegation yet again and having been again deducted points twice due to unpaid wages of their players. The club has faced adversity on and off the pitch, but a tie against one of the biggest clubs in the world provides them with a breath of fresh air as they gear up to put on a strong show against Man United.
The Latics boss Shaun Maloney has insisted that his team will give their everything and try to exploit the defensive issues that United have faced despite the difference in quality and talent of the players of the two teams. Maloney stated that his side will try ‘create a match that is extremely difficult for Man United.’
Manchester United, while not facing the same level of problems as their opponents, have still been underwhelming this season. Currently lying in 8th place in the league, the FA Cup represents their only real chance at winning some silverware this season, with the club already dumped out of Europe and the Carabao Cup. The league title remains out of their grasp barring a miracle run till the end of the season, and Erik ten Hag’s men will be focusing on getting a top four finish, which looks unlikely at the moment as well. A good FA Cup run will instill some confidence in the Dutchman and the Red Devils, who have not won the cup since 2016.
With INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquiring a stake in the club and taking footballing matters into their hands, there has been talk of ten Hag being replaced especially given the poor results this season. Success in the FA Cup could be crucial for the manager and it might very well help keep him in the hotseat at Old Trafford.
When & Where?
Date: Monday, 8th January 2024.
Venue: DW Stadium, Wigan, UK.
Time: 8.15 pm GMT
Match Officials
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Assistant referees: Adam Nunn & Harry Lennard
Fourth official: Robert Jones
Team News
Wigan Athletic will be without the services of defenders Tom Pearce and Jason Kerr as both recover from their respective injuries. Stephen Humphreys and Scott Smith are doubts for the game and face a late fitness test to be in contention. Wigan have a very short injury list and will have their key players in full fitness and ready to take on the English giants.
Manchester United have a host of injuries and unavailable players ahead of the cup tie, but there was some good news for the fans as defender Lisandro Martinez and midfield juggernaut Casemiro were spotted in full training. Although they were training with the team ahead of the game, their lengthy injury layoffs would mean it may be a week or so more before they are seen in action. However, United’s injury list still contains the likes of Harry Maguire, Mason Mount, Tyrell Malacia, and Victor Lindelof. Sofyan Amrabat will be unavailable for the tie with the on-loan midfielder representing Morocco at AFCON. Sergio Reguilon’s loan move was terminated early by the club as they chose to activate the break clause and the fullback has returned to Spurs. Out-of-favour winger Jadon Sancho is also set for a loan move to Borussia Dortmund with reports suggesting that a deal is set to be struck between the two clubs in the coming days.
Luke Shaw and Anthony Martial missed out on the last few games with the former picking up a knock and the latter suffering from an illness, but both could return to the squad ahead of Monday night’s game. Similarly, Rasmus Hojlund who was sidelined through an illness for United’s last game is set to return to the squad. Young sensation Isak Hansen-Aarøen was spotted training with the first team ahead of the game and a senior debut could be on the cards for the Norwegian.
Form Guide
Wigan Athletic have only won 1 of their last 5 games, having lost three and drawn one. The Latics come into this game on the back of a 1-1 draw away from home against Barnsley after a late equalizer by defender Jonny Smith helped them steal a point from Oakwell Stadium. The teams were pretty level throughout the game, but Wigan were guilty of missing a couple of clear-cut chances to take the lead, before Barnsley scored in first-half stoppage time. Shaun Maloney’s men may take some confidence from their football against a much higher-placed team, although it will be an altogether different game against Manchester United.
Man United on the other hand ended 2023 with a loss against Nottingham Forest away from home, a place they had not lost at for more than 30 years. The Garibaldi ran out 2-1 winners, with all three goals coming in the second half. United found themselves a goal behind just beyond the hour mark but rallied well to equalize 12 minutes later. However, Forest were not to be put down as they took the lead again four minutes later to take their deserved three points and break their miserable streak against United. It was another low for the Red Devils as they were condemned to their ninth loss of the league and 14th loss in all competitions, and they will be looking to start the new year on a brighter note.
Predicted Lineups
Wigan Athletic predicted XI: Sam Tickle; Sean Clare, Charlie Hughes, Liam Morrison, Steven Sessegnon; Liam Shaw, Baba Adeeko; Callum McManaman, Callum Lang, Martial Godo; Josh Magennis.
Manchester United predicted XI: Andre Onana; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Willy Kambwala, Luke Shaw; Kobbie Mainoo, Scott McTominay; Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford; Rasmus Hojlund.