Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the FA Cup match.
The last time these clubs met was in the 2019/20 Championship season, after which their paths diverged—Wigan Athletic were relegated, while Fulham earned promotion. Since then, their fortunes have remained vastly different.
Wigan Athletic
Wigan are currently struggling even in League One, sitting 16th out of 24 teams. The good news is that they hold a nine-point cushion above the relegation zone, but their form hardly inspires confidence. In the previous FA Cup round, they overcame a fellow League One side, Mansfield Town (2:0). However, facing Premier League opposition is a completely different challenge. The last time Wigan faced a top-flight side was in last season’s FA Cup, where they lost 2:0 to Manchester United at home.
Fulham
Fulham have been excellent away from home recently, winning their last two trips: 2:0 against Leicester and 2:1 against Newcastle United, two sides with far greater quality than Wigan. In fact, Fulham have picked up more points away from home (19) than at Craven Cottage (17). In the previous FA Cup round, they comfortably dispatched Watford (4:1), a Championship side.
Wigan Athletic vs Fulham Prediction
Fulham should have no trouble securing a place in the last 16. While Wigan have drawn their last three home meetings against Fulham, those were completely different circumstances and opponents. Fulham take their chances when given opportunities, and they should win by at least a two-goal margin here.
