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Wigan v Arsenal FA Cup semi-final: 10 reasons why Arsenal are right to fear an upset at Wembley

The Gunners should be overwhelming favourites to reach the final, but much is conspiring against them

Simon Rice,Gordon Tynan

Thursday 10 April 2014 23:59 BST

Having been so consistent for the majority of the season, the Gunners have found results more difficult to come by in recent weeks and are without a win in four Premier League games. That run of results has ended hopes of a first Premier League title in a (Getty Images)

Arsenal are the overwhelming favourites to win this year's FA Cup - but there is a severe lack of confidence emitting from the Emirates.

They face Championship side Wigan Athletic in the semi-finals on Saturday with the winner of the tie going on to play either Hull City or Sheffield United. There is little doubt Arsenal have the best pedigree from among those teams.

Yet the task may not be as simple as it seems.

While Uwe Rosler's side are outsiders to progress to a second consecutive final, their success last year and run to the semi-finals this time around is definitely cause for Latics fans to be optimistic.

So here, we take a look at reasons why Arsenal are right to be fearful of an upset and on the flip side, why Wigan can pull off yet another surprise this weekend.

Wigan v Arsenal: 10 reasons why Arsenal are right to fear an FA Cup semi-final upset

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1/10Wigan v Arsenal: 10 reasons why Arsenal are right to fear an FA Cup semi-final upset

Wigan v Arsenal: 10 reasons why Arsenal are right to fear an FA Cup semi-final upset

Wigan are in form...

The Latics have been revitalised by Uwe Rosler's arrival at the club, losing only four of 28 domestic games since the German took control of the club. In addition, they are unbeaten in their last 12 FA Cup matches - a run stretching back to January 2012.

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Wigan v Arsenal: 10 reasons why Arsenal are right to fear an FA Cup semi-final upset

...And Arsenal aren't

Having been so consistent for the majority of the season, the Gunners have found results more difficult to come by in recent weeks and are without a win in four Premier League games. That run of results has ended hopes of a first Premier League title in a decade, with Everton now providing significant competition for a place in the top four. That, in turn, has placed a greater importance on success in the FA Cup.

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Wigan v Arsenal: 10 reasons why Arsenal are right to fear an FA Cup semi-final upset

Wigan are expert underdogs

When the Latics were drawn away at Manchester City in the last round, most observers felt they had been handed the most difficult tie available. But Rosler's side were excellent - combining often relentless pressing with a disciplined defensive display. Jordi Gomez and James Perch gave Wigan a two-goal lead and, despite Samir Nasri pulling a goal back, they held on to stun the Citizens just as they did in last year's final and secure another trip to Wembley. They've also beaten Premier League sides Crystal Palace and Cardiff City on their way to Saturday's semi-final.

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Wigan v Arsenal: 10 reasons why Arsenal are right to fear an FA Cup semi-final upset

Wigan have won at Wembley before...

The Latics beat both Millwall and Manchester City at Wembley last season and should be used to the pitch and the surroundings. Wigan have demonstrated in the past that they can deal with the big occasion.

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Wigan v Arsenal: 10 reasons why Arsenal are right to fear an FA Cup semi-final upset

...But Arsenal haven't

The Gunners have lost both of their visits to Wembley since the stadium reopened in 2007. They were beaten 2-1 by Chelsea in a 2009 FA Cup semi-final and also suffered defeat on their next visit, losing by the same scoreline to Birmingham City in the 2011 League Cup final.

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Wigan v Arsenal: 10 reasons why Arsenal are right to fear an FA Cup semi-final upset

Wigan could make history

The Latics are well on course to becoming only the seventh team to retain the trophy, which could offer even more motivation to Rosler's team. Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Chelsea are the teams to have retained the FA Cup in the past.

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Wigan v Arsenal: 10 reasons why Arsenal are right to fear an FA Cup semi-final upset

Wigan are under no pressure...

Arsenal are clear favourites to win on Saturday, with odds of 1/2 being offered on Arsene Wenger's side to progress in 90 minutes. Wigan are clear underdogs but, going by previous results in the FA Cup, they will not be intimidated. Rosler's team are comfortably in the Championship play-off places and will remain in the top six even if the teams around them all win at the weekend.

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Wigan v Arsenal: 10 reasons why Arsenal are right to fear an FA Cup semi-final upset

...But Arsenal are

The Gunners have not lifted silverware in nine years and the pressure is on Arsene Wenger to deliver a first trophy since 2005. The omens are not good though - Arsenal have reached at least the semi-final of competitions on eight occasions (including one Community Shield) since May 2005 but have not won any honours. That there is talk Wenger could walk away if this season ends in disappointment only ramps up the importance of this tie.

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Wigan v Arsenal: 10 reasons why Arsenal are right to fear an FA Cup semi-final upset

Arsenal have lost to Wigan in a cup semi-final before

Wigan were victorious the last time these sides met in the last four of a domestic competition. Paul Scharner's goal secured a 1-0 win in the first leg of the 2006 League Cup semi-final and Jason Roberts struck late on in extra time in the return match at Highbury to send the Latics through on away goals.

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Wigan v Arsenal: 10 reasons why Arsenal are right to fear an FA Cup semi-final upset

The Gunners have injuries

Arsenal's season has been disrupted by the loss of a series of key players. Theo Walcott is out for the season and Wenger is unlikely to be able to call on Laurent Koscielny, Mesut Ozil or Jack Wilshere at the weekend. Aaron Ramsey only returned from a thigh problem last weekend and Abou Diaby is still out too.

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So do you think Wigan can beat Arsenal this weekend? Let us know in the comments below...

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