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Man United Seek FA Cup Revenge Against Wigan

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, January 9th 2026 at 15:05 GMT by tntsports.co.uk

Manchester United's Wigan Rematch: Avoiding Past Pitfalls

Erik ten Hag's Manchester United travel to League One Wigan Athletic, a fixture steeped in FA Cup history - and not necessarily fond memories for the Red Devils. Wigan famously defeated United in the 2023 edition, a stark reminder that cup competitions demand respect regardless of the opponent's league standing. While heavily favoured, Ten Hag will be acutely aware of the potential for another upset, particularly given Wigan's home advantage and likely challenging pitch conditions. The game offers an opportunity for United to build momentum in what has been a somewhat inconsistent season, but complacency could prove costly.

Rosenior's Interim Test at Hull: A Chance to Impress

The spotlight will be firmly on Hull City as interim manager Liam Rosenior takes charge for the first time in a competitive match. Appointed following the sacking of Shota Arveladze, Rosenior, a well-respected figure within the game, faces a relatively favourable home tie against Gillingham. This match presents a crucial opportunity for Rosenior to stake his claim for the permanent managerial position. More than just securing a win, Rosenior will be assessed on how he instills a clear identity and galvanizes the squad in a short space of time. A positive result - and, importantly, a positive performance - could significantly boost his prospects. The pressure will be on to immediately impact a team that has been underperforming.

Chelsea Under New Leadership: Finding Consistency

Chelsea, still navigating a period of transition under their new manager (name omitted as not present in original article), welcome Preston North End to Stamford Bridge. Despite possessing a squad brimming with talent, the Blues have struggled to find consistency this season. The FA Cup offers a chance to build momentum and potentially secure silverware, but also a potential distraction from their Premier League ambitions. The focus will be on translating individual quality into cohesive team performance against a Championship side determined to make a mark. A comfortable victory is expected, but anything less will invite further scrutiny.

Arne Slot's Everton: Defensive Foundation as Priority

Everton, now under the tactical direction of Arne Slot, face a difficult assignment against an unnamed Championship opponent. Slot arrives with a reputation for building meticulously organized and defensively resolute teams. While the Toffees possess attacking talent, Slot's initial focus will likely be on solidifying the backline and ensuring a platform for creative players to flourish. The FA Cup offers a valuable opportunity to experiment with tactical formations and assess the squad's capabilities without the immediate pressure of Premier League survival. Early cup success could be vital for building confidence and momentum throughout the season.

The Upsets We Live For: Crystal Palace and Beyond

No FA Cup third round would be complete without a few shocking results. Crystal Palace, hosting a Premier League rival, will be hoping to emulate previous underdog stories. The magic of the FA Cup lies in these unexpected twists and turns, where lower-league sides, fueled by passion and home advantage, can topple seemingly insurmountable opponents. Teams like Southampton and Leeds United, also facing tough assignments against lower-league opposition, will need to be wary of the potential for a cup upset. These matches underscore the FA Cup's enduring appeal: the possibility that anyone can beat anyone on a given day.