Eberechi Eze is being given another chance to show Mikel Arteta what he's all about from the start.

He was hooked at half-time in the 1-1 draw at Brentford on Thursday night after struggling to get into the game.

It's against lower opposition but can Eze prove influential?

Image source, Getty Images

Matt Smith joined Wigan in 2023 after his Arsenal contract expired and on his final day with the Gunners, Martin Odegaard presented him with one of his armbands and an Arsenal shirt signed by all the players.

"That was a really nice gesture," said Smith.

"He's a good captain to be fair. He's not the loudest but he leads by example and has played at the highest level."

Image source, Getty Images

Wigan Athletic

Wigan interim boss Glenn Whelan, speaking to TNT Sports about the challenge his side face today: "It's massive. They're top of the league and cruising in all competitions. We know it's going to be tough day for us but we've said to the lads it's a challenge we have to accept, we have to roll our sleeves up an go and give a good account for ourselves.

"Nobody expects us to win so there's no type of pressure, but we have to give our fans something to think about. There's a lot who have travelled and for us to act as a stepping stone for where we are in the league and bring some confidence back to the players."

Only *major* trophy I should add.

Just in case any of you out there love the Community Shield.

Arsenal's FA Cup win in 2020 remains Mikel Arteta's only trophy as Gunners boss.

The famous old piece of silverware brings back good memories for Arteta as he looks to guide Arsenal to the fifth round for the first time since they won the competition.

A good omen, perhaps?

Image source, Getty Images

A less familiar name in Matt Smith will be making his Arsenal return today, dressed in the colours of Wigan.

The 25-year-old was named as a substitute after Mikel Arteta left Mesut Ozil out as the Gunners won the FA Cup in 2020 in a near-deserted Wembley thanks to Covid.

Smith told BBC Sport: "When you're that young you don't really understand the importance of being part of the FA Cup final or the memories it's going to give you for the rest of your life.

"It's only now I realise how grateful I was to be involved in something so special like that.

"I remember getting my suit for the final and it being way too big for me. I didn't want to say anything because I was young. All the other players' suits were tailored but mine was massive - they must have done it wrong.

"I didn't make it on to the pitch but that day will live with me forever."

Have a read of Neil Johnston's interview for yourself.

Image source, Getty Images

Fulham

Image source, PA Media

Fulham midfielder Harrison Reed, speaking to TNT Sports: "Really happy, a hard fought win. It was about sticking to our game plan. We needed to be more clinical, and it was that final pass and final decision. We were able to come out and replicate what the manager wanted. Amazing feeling scoring and I don't get many, so it is extra special."

Arsenal

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, speaking to TNT Sports: "Big opportunity for all the players. Obviously, we have a lot of games in competitions and we need a very fresh team today."

On starting Eberechi Eze today: "I think it's not about the individual. Every player is going to have better and worse games, today is a new challenge and we have to be ready against this side."

On what to expect from Wigan: "The game has to start. We have to understand how they behave and in relation to that we will adapt and try to do better than them."

Wigan aren't expected to rock the boat of the Premier League leaders today but let's cast our minds back to when they stunned the world and won the FA Cup.

In one of the biggest shocks you'll see, Ben Watson rose highest from a corner in the 90th minute as Wigan beat Man City in 2013 to claim their first major trophy.

See, anything is possible...

Image source, Getty Images

Right then, three games down and just one more to go today.

It's the Premier League leaders Arsenal against League One strugglers Wigan.

Image source, Getty Images

The whistle goes for full time and Premier League Sunderland edge past Championship strugglers Oxford.

Image source, Getty Images

All over and Fulham come from behind to beat Stoke and advance to the fifth round.

Image source, PA Media

Ciaron Brown prods an effort wide for Oxford deep in stoppage time, was that their final chance to get an equaliser?

Time is running out for Stoke. Lamine Cissé has the ball in space on the left and he opts to send the ball deep into the box but it goes over his team-mates and bounces out of play.

Five minutes of stoppage time is shown on the fourth official's board as Oxford come forward looking for the equaliser, but Christ Makosso's effort is smothered by Robin Roefs.

Fulham break in numbers but Stoke get back well and Kevin is happy to not take too many risks in the bottom left corner of the pitch as we enter the third minute of stoppage time.

Will Lankshear looks in real discomfort for Oxford, he's holding his ankle after a bad challenge and thumps his fist against the turf.

It looks bad but then he's up to his feet a minute or so later and OK to continue.