Arsenal travel to Mansfield Town in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday lunchtime, as the Premier League leaders aim to avoid an upset and book a place in the quarter-finals.
Arsenal’s FA Cup campaign continues at the One Call Stadium on Saturday as Arteta’s side face League One opposition in the fifth round, a tie that brings familiar cup pressure for the visitors and a landmark occasion for the hosts. Arsenal will be expected to progress, but the build-up has been shaped by availability issues, particularly in defence, and by the need to manage minutes across the squad.
Mansfield’s moment and why it matters
For Mansfield, the tie is a landmark. Sky Sports noted Town have reached the FA Cup fifth round for the first time since 1974-75, and manager Nigel Clough described the draw as “pretty special” for the club and supporters.The evidence also shows that they have earned their spot. Mansfield have already beaten Sheffield United and Burnley on their way to this stage, a reminder that they have already produced two results against higher-ranked opposition in this season’s competition, with Arsenal’s trip to the One Call Stadium being without their biggest day of the season so far. It also serves as a Stark reminder to the Gunners not to underestimate the League 1 side.
What Arsenal are looking at
For Arsenal, the fifth round is about continuing their FA Cup run while balancing a heavy March schedule. The trip to Mansfield sits between league fixtures and ahead of Champions League knockout football, which may influence selection and minutes, but Arsenal will still be expected to progress, given the gap in divisions.
After Wednesday’s win at Brighton, Arsenal’s final selection picture became clearer at training. Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Gabriel Magalhães, all of whom started at the Amex, were absent from the session shown on the club’s new Arsenal app. William Saliba, Martin Odegaard and Ben White continue to be unavailable after missing the trip to the south coast.
Whilst Arteta also suggested the playing surface can influence selection when players are carrying knocks. “It can do,” he said. “Especially if there is a player that is carrying some injury … the pitch can affect him in the wrong way, especially certain muscles.”
Arsenal’s wider injury situation remains shaped by the longer-term absence of Mikel Merino, with Arteta having previously said the midfielder’s recovery is measured in “months” after surgery.
There is also a confirmed suspension: Myles Lewis-Skelly will miss the tie under FA Cup booking rules after an accumulation of yellow cards in earlier rounds.
The shape of the tie
With Mansfield at home and the occasion carrying real significance, Arsenal can expect a committed opponent. For Arsenal, the priority is a professional performance that avoids giving the tie extra life. Fifth-round weekends often hinge on small moments, and Arsenal will want the quality gap to show without needing drama.
For Arteta, that means managing a game that should be winnable while protecting a squad that has been navigating knocks and absences. The objective is simple: progress, stay healthy, and keep another route to silverware alive.
Arteta also made clear the downside of getting this wrong. Asked whether an FA Cup exit can affect a team’s momentum in other competitions, he said it “can”, adding: “Hopefully, we’re going to do what we have to do and earn the right to win the game… it’s a terrible feeling… it damages your reputation.”