Arsenal XI vs Mansfield: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for FA Cup | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta expected to ring the changes for fifth-round clash amid hectic fixture list

Mikel Arteta is expected to heavily rotate his Arsenal side for their FA Cup fifth-round trip to Mansfield this weekend.

The Gunners travel to take on more League One opposition on Saturday lunchtime for a place in the quarter-finals, looking to continue their push on all four fronts this season.

With this match coming not even 72 hours after the win over Brighton on Wednesday, and with a Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen ahead in midweek, significant changes are on the cards.

Ben White has the missed the last few matches and remains a doubt, which could mean a start in defence for 16-year-old Marli Salmon.

Gabriel and Jurrien Timber are both set to be rested, while William Saliba is nursing an ankle injury and is not expected to be risked.

There should be rare starts for Myles Lewis-Skelly and Christian Norgaard, though there are not quite so many options for Arteta in midfield.

Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi both surely need a rest. Mikel Merino is a long-term absentee with a foot injury and it remains to be seen whether Martin Odegaard is available after a knee issue.

Kai Havertz is fit again and could start in midfield, potentially alongside Eberechi Eze even though the latter has started plenty recently.

There could be minutes for Max Dowman, though a cameo off the bench is perhaps the more likely outcome after his ankle injury.

In attack, Gabriel Martinelli has been a cup specialist this season and will hope to get another chance here.

Bukayo Saka is unlikely to start but Gabriel Jesus appears to be the obvious candidate to lead the line, unless Arteta decides to try and get Viktor Gyokeres back in goalscoring form again.

Predicted Arsenal XI: Kepa; Salmon, Mosquera, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly; Norgaard, Eze, Havertz; Madueke, Jesus, Martinelli

Injured: Merino

Doubts: White, Saliba, Odegaard

Time and date: 12:15pm GMT on Saturday March 7, 2026

Venue: One Call Stadium, Mansfield

How to watch: TNT Sports