Mansfield Town v Arsenal: FA Cup preview and what managers said
Arsenal will continue their campaign in the FA Cup with a fifth-round clash away to Mansfield Town on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
The encounter at One Call Stadium will mark the first meeting between the two clubs since 1929, when they last faced each other in the same competition. While firmly in the Premier League title race, The Gunners are targeting a place in the quarter-finals for the first time since 2020, the year they last lifted the prestigious trophy.
Mansfield chasing giant-killing result
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The Stags, coached by Nigel Clough, have endured a difficult spell in EFL League One during 2026. Their most recent league victory came on Friday, January 16, 2026, against Port Vale F.C., and a run of nine matches without a win has seen them drop to 16th place, just five points above the relegation zone.
However, their cup performances have provided a major highlight this season. After eliminating Harrogate Town A.F.C. and Accrington Stanley F.C., Mansfield shocked Sheffield United F.C. with a thrilling 4–3 triumph at Bramall Lane.
They followed that impressive result with another upset, overturning a deficit to defeat Burnley F.C. 2–1. The victory secured their place in the FA Cup last-16 stage for the first time since 1975.
What the managers said
Ahead of the fixture, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta cautioned against underestimating the challenge. “I think I’ve been in this country long enough to understand that being favourites doesn’t mean anything when it comes to that competition. At that time of the day, in that ground, I know that they’re going to have the belief, the hope, the conviction that they can beat us, and we need to be very well prepared.”
Mansfield manager Nigel Clough believes the opportunity will inspire his players. “The players know that they won’t be in this position maybe ever again, Mansfield might not play Arsenal again. So without thinking about it, everyone raises their game a little bit.”
He also reflected on how such matches create lasting memories for supporters. “At Burton they still talk about Manchester United 20 years ago, and the fans will talk about it for the rest of their lives. It was Liverpool here 13 years ago and supporters still talk about it. You are trying to create memories so fans are in the pub in five or 10 years and say ‘do you remember when Arsenal came to the One Call and we gave them a good game?”
Team news
Arsenal defender William Saliba is doubtful after suffering an ankle issue during the recent match against Chelsea F.C.
Youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly will miss the tie due to suspension after receiving yellow cards in earlier rounds against Portsmouth F.C. and Wigan Athletic F.C.. Meanwhile, Christian Nørgaard and Ben White are one booking away from suspension should Arsenal progress.
For the hosts, defender Baily Cargill is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a hamstring injury. Teammate Ryan Sweeney is also sidelined with a similar problem, while right-back Luke Bolton is set to miss the match due to a calf issue.
