Despite growing up playing endless hours of football together in the Fulham Academy, Saturday's Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round tie would be the first time twin brothers Steven and Ryan Sessegnon have ever faced each other in a competitive match.
The Sessegnon twins joined Fulham as Under 9s, and both made their way from the junior ranks into the first-team, albeit at different stages. Steven made his first-team debut in a 2-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers in the League Cup at the start of the 2017/18 season, before appearing 14 times in their 2019/20 Championship promotion-winning campaign.
The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round tie was celebrated in the Sessegnon household, and Latics defender Steven expressed that the whole family is really excited for the occasion.
“We were close growing up - and very competitive," Steven told Latics TV.
"We came through the same Academy, went to the same school, and grew up together side by side. We were competitive in our own sense, and always wanted to win. We have a very good relationship.
“We came through together and had success at Fulham. We had a very good age group - with Tyrese (Francois) being one of them.
“We both had our paths in the first-team. I would’ve loved for us to play more together as established first-team players and by the time he moved on, that’s when I started to come through and make a few more appearances.
“We had some proud moments - coming from the Academy going all the way through to the first-team. We were always together in football until Ryan went off and did his own thing and I had to start my own journey. It was sad but exciting. He keeps up to date with our scores. We’re always in contact with football and life.
“I saw the draw and text Tyrese (Francois) straight away. It was surreal because we knew it was going to happen, as it was written in the stars.
“It would have been lovely if we could’ve gone back to London to play this fixture, but they’re going to have to come up to cold, windy Wigan and experience the game against us. Hopefully, we can give them a good game.
“This weekend is an occasion we’re both looking forward to.”
Latics are the underdogs heading into Saturday's Emirates FA Cup tie, which is nothing new to the Football Club. Sessegnon expressed the whole squad is looking forward to showcasing their talent against another top-flight side.
“I’m excited. At the end of the day, it’s a football game against a Premier League club. It’s a chance to showcase your ability as an individual and as a team.
“Everyone will be really motivated. It will be hard, and challenging and we have to suffer a lot.
“Hopefully with a bit of luck, we can put in a really good performance and come out with something.”