igan would have even been in the Championship at one time? To be the FA Cup holders - it's just a brilliant, brilliant story." The consensus is that Wigan could lose their status as cup holders by Saturday evening when they come up against an Arsenal side desperate to ensure their wait for silverware does not reach nine seasons
However, Jewell sees no reason why Latics cannot continue their love affair with the competition
"You can't predict with Wigan," Jewell, speaking in Wigan at the Beko Keepy-Uppy Challenge, added.
"Arsenal have had a few struggles since Liverpool beat them terribly and I watched the game on Sunday at Everton, they were very well beaten.
"I'm sure Uwe will be saying we've got to be careful with the wounded animal because they've had a bit of stick in the press
But I look at the way Wigan have played this season and they're aggressive in their style of play, their movement is good and I think they have a chance.
"They're second favourites but Wigan have made complete nonsense of people betting on favourites with Manchester City in the final, Everton in the quarter-finals (last season), Manchester City this year
Who's to say they can't get another one against Arsenal on Saturday? It's going to be tough but they'll go there with absolutely no pressure."
Jewell was in charge when Wigan defeated Arsene Wenger's team over two legs in the League Cup semi-final eight years ago and is amazed that their trophy cabinet has remained bare since 2005
Asked whether defeat on Saturday could determine Wenger's future, he replied: "I don't think there's any doubt about that
I don't know whether they would take finishing fourth or winning the FA Cup but winning a trophy as a supporter, as a player, that stays with you
"Finishing in the top four doesn't get you a medal, just like survival in the Premier League doesn't get you a medal
It's a huge, huge game for Arsenal, a bigger game for Arsenal than it is Wigan
"To see that they haven't won a trophy for eight years - everyone goes on about it and it will rankle with Arsene
Even though he's cool, calm and collected he's been a bit more twitchy in the last three or four months than I've noticed in a while
I'm a big fan of his but the pressure's coming on to him that he needs to win a trophy."
Source : PA
Source: PA