"So good": Wigan midfielder praises 24yo Arsenal star ahead of FA Cup game

Wigan Athletic midfielder Matt Smith has heaped praise on Arsenal star Bukayo Saka ahead of the FA Cup fourth round tie at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

The Gunners played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Brentford in the Premier League on Thursday and will be aiming to return to winning ways against the Latics.

Wigan have endured a tough campaign in League One, and are currently languishing 22nd in the table on the back of four straight defeats with 11 goals conceded.

In the pre-match press conference, Smith was present alongside the club’s interim managers.

Unsurprisingly, Smith was asked about his appearance on Arsenal’s bench during the 2020 FA Cup final against Chelsea, where the Gunners came from behind to win (2-1).

Alongside Smith, Saka was also an unused substitute on that day. Smith was asked about Saka and whether he continues to remain in close contact with the Englishman.

In response, he said: “He was below me, but obviously him being so good, he always used to play up. I know him quite well.

“You always knew he had that ability and he could go on, and well, he did break into the first team and he’s never looked back really.”

Smith, now 25, has been a regular starter in the defensive midfield position for the Latics. He has played almost 90 minutes in each of the previous six league matches.

He also started the 1-0 win over Preston North End in the FA Cup third-round tie, and looks primed to feature from the off against his former employers on Sunday.

Saka could likewise be involved in the starting line-up for Arsenal tomorrow. The England international returned from a hip concern against Brentford on Thursday night.

The 24-year-old struggled to gain regular possession on the right wing with Brentford’s late dominance. He could make the XI against the Latics to boost his match fitness.

Arsenal are four points ahead of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League and have an extra game at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday before Pep Guardiola’s side play again.

It is a must-win match for the Gunners at the Molineux Stadium. Saka could feature for at least an hour against Wigan in preparation for the midweek trip to the West Midlands.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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