2026-27 FA Cup: First Round – Boreham Wood vs Wigan

Boreham Wood seek a FA Cup giant-killing as they entertain 2013 champions, Wigan in a first round tie. 

Victory would see Boreham Wood reach the second round for a second consecutive season, whilst Wigan haven’t lost at this stage since their shock loss at home to Chorley in the 2020-21 season.

 

Team News

Boreham Wood have no fresh injury concerns to report after their 4-3 National League victory over Hartlepool, with a full squad available for selection.

Wigan could be without Scott Hogan after he suffered an ankle injury during their 0-0 draw at home to Mansfield in League One on Tuesday evening.

Dara Costelloe is ruled out with a groin injury which kept him out of the Latics’ midweek match.

Luke Harris is still sidelined with a hamstring injury.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Boreham Wood host Wigan at Meadow Park on Saturday 7 November at 3pm BST, untelevised live in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• This is Boreham Wood’s first FA Cup meeting against Wigan.
• Wigan are making their first-ever visit to Boreham Wood in all competitions.
• Boreham Wood have won five of their last seven FA Cup ties at home (W5, L2), although they only lost in the first round of the 2024-25 edition 3-1 on penalties to Leyton Orient after a 2-2 draw.
• Wigan have won four of their last five FA Cup away ties (W4, L1).

 

Prediction

Sat comfortably top of the National League, Boreham Wood can afford to relax a bit and give the cup a proper go but their defence could be their Achilles heel, with just one clean sheet in their last five matches but there is no doubting their firepower and potential.

Wigan meanwhile look like they have turned a slight corner with a win and draw in their last two games, although their win only came because their defending was less terrible than Bromley on Halloween whilst they kept a rare clean sheet against Mansfield on Tuesday evening.

The Latics’ priority though has to be on League One survival so I just don’t think that they will take this seriously unless they want a cup run to build momentum, whereas Boreham Wood have the space and confidence to go for it that bit extra which might just be the difference.

Prediction: Boreham Wood 2-1 Wigan