Mansfield Town vs Arsenal – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Arsenal head to Field Mill this afternoon looking to maintain their pursuit of a historic quadruple as they face League One minnows Mansfield Town in the FA Cup fifth round.

The Gunners arrive in North Wales in imperious form, currently sitting seven points clear at the top of the Premier League following a disciplined 1–0 victory over Brighton on Wednesday. Mikel Arteta’s side is currently enjoying a 12-match unbeaten run away from home, their longest such sequence since the Spaniard took charge.

Having comfortably dispatched Portsmouth and Wigan in the previous rounds, Arsenal have reached the fifth round for the first time since their trophy-winning campaign in 2019-20. While Arteta is expected to rotate his squad ahead of a crucial Champions League tie with Bayer Leverkusen, the Gunners remain heavy favourites to progress.

Mansfield Town, meanwhile, are set to host their biggest fixture in over half a century after ending a 51-year absence from this stage of the competition. Nigel Clough’s side reached the last 16 by pulling off a sensational 2–1 upset away at Burnley in the fourth round, courtesy of goals from Rhys Oates and Louis Reed.

Although the Stags have struggled for consistency in League One—sitting 16th and winless in their last nine league matches—they have proven to be one of the most entertaining outfits in this season’s cup. Facing the Premier League leaders for the first time in 97 years, Mansfield will be desperate to write another chapter in their giant-killing story.

Mansfield Town vs Arsenal – Match preview and team news

Team News

Mansfield Town

Manager Nigel Clough faces several defensive concerns despite having a largely fit squad. Captain Ryan Sweeney is out with a hamstring problem, and fellow defender Baily Cargill is likely sidelined for the remainder of the season. Luke Bolton is also a major doubt after being forced off with a calf injury on Tuesday.

Arsenal

Mikel Arteta manages an injury list that includes Mikel Merino (foot), while William Saliba, Martin Ødegaard, and Ben White are all rated as touch-and-go. Midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly is suspended after picking up two bookings in previous rounds. Gabriel Jesus—who has 20 goal involvements in his last 19 domestic cup games against non-Premier League opposition—is expected to lead the line.

Form

Mansfield Town

The Stags have saved their best performances for the FA Cup this season, scoring at least twice in every round so far. However, they have failed to keep a clean sheet in the competition and have struggled domestically since their win at Burnley, taking just two points from 12 on offer in League One. Notably, this is only the fifth time in Mansfield’s history that they have reached the FA Cup fifth round.

Arsenal

The Gunners have moved into an elite bracket of form, winning eight of their last 10 matches across all competitions. Notably, Arsenal have progressed from each of their last 15 FA Cup ties against third-tier or lower opponents, with their last such exit coming in 1992. They arrive at Field Mill on a 10-game unbeaten run in all tournaments.

Predicted Lineups

Mansfield Town Predicted XI (4-4-2): Roberts; Knoyle, Oshilaja, Blake-Tracy; Akins, Lewis, Reed, McLaughlin; Evans, Roberts; Oates

Arsenal Predicted XI (4-3-3): Kepa; Mosquera, Salmon, Gabriel, Calafiori; Eze, Norgaard, Havertz; Madueke, Jesus, Trossard

How to Watch Mansfield Town vs Arsenal?

The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports. Coverage begins at 11:30 GMT ahead of the 12:15 kick-off.

Read more- Liverpool boss Slot sends message to ‘special’ Rio Ngumoha after second start

See Also- Premier League teams with the most set-piece goals this season

Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube