Marco Silva is aware of the potential threat posed by League One opposition Wigan Athletic this weekend.

Fulham face a potential banana skin FA Cup clash against League One opposition Wigan Athletic this weekend with Marco Silva taking his side to the DW Stadium.

The Cottagers have only made it past the fourth round in the tournament on one occasion over the last seven campaigns, when reaching the quarter-final in 2023. Fulham were beaten by Manchester United and Old Trafford in that year.

Silva's side head into this weekend as strong favourites to book a place in the fifth round and take on the Latics buoyed by an impressive 2-1 win over Newcastle United last weekend. With the league season threatening to fall away to mid-table obscurity, the chance of a cup run could help spark a strong second half of the season.

Speaking ahead of the cup tie, Silva said: "We are full of ambition for this competition. It is a really special competition and something I used to see on television when I was really young. There are always surprises and you don't want to be part of these surprises.

"Nobody is going to underestimate Wigan because it's always tough to play in the FA Cup away from home. You have to be really serious in your approach. Everybody is completely focused in their role and our ambitions for the game."

FA makes official decision for Wigan v Fulham

The FA has confirmed the officials for Saturday's match at Wigan Athletic with David Webb appointed referee at the DW Stadium. Webb has overseen 19 matches so far this season, 18 in the Championship and one in the Carabao Cup.

The referee has not taken charge of a match involving Fulham of Wigan Athletic so far this term. His last appointment was the 0-0 Championship draw between Portsmouth and Burnley at the start of February. He is yet to show a red card this season but did blow for a penalty when Burnley beat Swansea City 1-0 in November.

Webb has refereed a match involving Fulham six times during his career and 12 matches involving Wigan Athletic. The official averages three yellow cards per game. Andrew Fox and Jacob Lehane will be the assistant referees with Jeremy Simpson the fourth official.

Is there VAR in the FA Cup this weekend?

There will be no VAR in the fourth road matches but the system will be implemented in all fixtures from the fifth round. An FA statement explained: "Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will only be used in the 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup from the Fifth Round onwards.

"It has been agreed that VAR will be utilised for every match in the Fifth Round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium, and will not be in operation for the Third and Fourth Rounds.

"VAR has only been used in the Emirates FA Cup previously for matches at Wembley Stadium and at Premier League grounds due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation. This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition."

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