Wigan Athletic aims for FA Cup glory against Fulham

In England, Wigan Athletic is gearing up for its FA Cup fourth-round match against Fulham, a Premier League team, scheduled for Saturday afternoon. The fixture holds significance as Wigan, a League One side, looks to emulate its stunning FA Cup victory in 2013, when they shocked Manchester City. This historic win remains a proud moment for the club, evidenced by the statue of former owner Dave Whelan near the Brick Community Stadium. James Carragher, a defender for Wigan, expressed hope for surprising Fulham, leveraging the club's proud cup history to foster confidence among the players. Under manager Shaun Maloney, who was part of the 2013 winning team, Carragher noted that the squad has spent extra time preparing to counter Fulham's playing style, emphasizing the meaningfulness of their upcoming match. Speaking on the influence of cup history, Carragher remarked on the emotional connection the players feel towards past achievements, and he underlined the importance of approaching the match with a winning mentality. His father, Jamie Carragher, a two-time FA Cup winner, is expected to support him during this crucial game. Carragher also reflected on his journey in the game, including a challenging period spent recovering from knee injuries in Scotland, which has helped him build experience. In another vein, the Wigan Warriors Rugby League team, captained by Liam Farrell, is set to begin its 2025 Super League campaign at home against local rivals Leigh. Following a successful 2024 season where they achieved a historic clean sweep, Farrell is eager to continue his team's dominance in the league. He acknowledged that the challenge to maintain their success will motivate the team to strive for excellence despite competitors strengthening their squads. Both the FA Cup tie and the Super League opener are pivotal moments for Wigan Athletic and Wigan Warriors, as they seek to forge new chapters in their storied histories. With the forthcoming matches, the clubs hope to inspire their fan bases and establish memorable moments in their respective seasons.