Arsenal vs Wigan Athletic FA Cup: Watch on TNT Sports, BBC Radio Manchester and Discovery+ with Sam Matterface, Bill Rice and Expert Analysis

Match date: 15 February 2026

Arsenal vs Wigan Athletic FA Cup: Watch on TNT Sports, BBC Radio Manchester and Discovery+ with Sam Matterface, Bill Rice and Expert Analysis

Arsenal's FA Cup fourth-round tie against Wigan Athletic will be broadcast across multiple platforms on Sunday, 15 February 2026, with comprehensive coverage from some of British football's most respected commentators and analysts. TNT Sports 1 HD and TNT Sports Ultimate 4K will provide the primary television coverage in the UK, whilst BBC Radio Manchester and the BBC Sounds App offer dedicated audio commentary, alongside Discovery+ for those seeking additional punditry and expert insight. The match kicks off at 16:30 GMT at the Emirates Stadium.

The headline television coverage comes courtesy of TNT Sports, where Becky Ives will present proceedings with experienced commentator Sam Matterface providing play-by-play analysis alongside co-commentator Lucy Ward. This same team will be supplemented by punditry from Owen Hargreaves and Martin Keown, two figures with extensive Premier League and international pedigree. Danny Jamieson will provide reporting duties throughout the match. For those preferring alternative commentary, the world feed broadcast features commentator Steve Wilson with co-commentator Stewart Robson offering their perspective on the encounter.

For radio listeners, BBC Radio Manchester will deliver live coverage through Bill Rice, the station's main commentator, who brings years of experience covering Manchester-based football clubs and regional fixtures. Emmerson Boyce, the former Wigan Athletic defender, will serve as co-commentator, offering invaluable insight into his former club's tactical approach and personnel. Boyce's perspective is particularly significant given his intimate knowledge of Wigan's recent history and playing style. This same commentary pairing will be available simultaneously on the BBC Sounds App and BBC Sport Online's audio service, ensuring accessibility for listeners across multiple platforms.

Discovery+ will provide its own dedicated coverage with Becky Ives presenting, Sam Matterface on commentary duty, and Lucy Ward as co-commentator, joined by the analytical expertise of Martin Keown and Owen Hargreaves. Danny Jamieson will handle reporting responsibilities. Keown, a legendary Arsenal defender who made over 400 appearances for the club during his career, brings unparalleled understanding of the Gunners' defensive structures and tactical nuances. Hargreaves, who enjoyed a distinguished career at Manchester United and Bayern Munich whilst also representing England at the highest level, offers a wealth of experience in cup competitions and high-pressure encounters.

The match pits Arsenal, currently leading the Premier League and pursuing multiple trophies across a congested domestic and European calendar, against Wigan Athletic, a spirited League One outfit seeking cup glory as respite from their league struggles. Arsenal are substantial favourites to progress, though Wigan have demonstrated resilience in the cup competition, having secured a victory in the previous round.

Wigan arrive at the Emirates with interim management following recent managerial changes, and are expected to adopt a defensive, compact approach designed to frustrate Arsenal's attacking ambitions. The Latics typically operate with low possession percentages in league matches, averaging under 50 per cent of the ball, and will likely seek to exploit space on the counter-attack and through wide areas. Their dynamic right flank, featuring one of the highest crossing tallies at their level, presents a potential avenue for creating opportunities against Arsenal's defence.

Arsenal's task will centre on breaking down Wigan's disciplined low block without surrendering dangerous counter-attacking opportunities. The depth of Arsenal's squad and the quality of their attacking personnel should ultimately prove decisive, though the variables of cup football—including potential rotation, injuries, and Wigan's proven cup resilience—ensure the contest retains uncertainty.

For viewers outside the UK, ESPN+ in the United States will stream the match, with Alexis Nunes presenting coverage. The FA Cup, English football's oldest domestic cup competition, continues to attract global audiences, and this fourth-round tie represents a significant fixture in Arsenal's pursuit of silverware during what promises to be a defining season at the Emirates.

Sam Matterface, who will lead commentary across TNT Sports and Discovery+ platforms, is one of the UK's most prominent football commentators, known for his authoritative and engaging delivery across major domestic and European matches. His partnership with Lucy Ward, an experienced analyst and former goalkeeper, provides listeners with both technical accuracy and tactical insight. Bill Rice brings regional expertise through his extensive work with BBC Radio Manchester, whilst Emmerson Boyce's presence as co-commentator adds a layer of authenticity, given his previous association with Wigan Athletic as a defender.

The comprehensive coverage across BBC Radio Manchester, BBC Sounds, BBC Sport Online, TNT Sports, Discovery+, and international feeds ensures that supporters can access commentary and analysis through their preferred medium, whether televised, streamed, or audio-based. This multi-platform approach reflects the significance of FA Cup football within British sporting culture and the continued appetite for live coverage of the competition's marquee encounters.

Supporters should note that TNT Sports' provision of the match across TNT Sports 1 HD and TNT Sports Ultimate 4K offers options for both standard and premium viewing experiences, whilst the BBC's radio and digital offerings provide free-to-access alternatives for those preferring audio commentary. TNT Sports' coverage represents a significant investment in FA Cup broadcasting, positioning the match as a cornerstone fixture within their football programming schedule.

Article generated: 15 February 2026, 16:26 GMT