Mansfield Town vs Arsenal: Preview, Prediction & Lineups

Arsenal make the trip to face League One side Mansfield Town in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon.

The Gunners fought to a well-earned 1-0 victory at Brighton in their last outing to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to seven points. Bukayo Saka netted what proved to be the decisive goal with a deflected strike inside the opening 10 minutes.

Mansfield have not won a match since their shock 2-1 win away to Burnley in the last round of the cup and are currently nine-game winless run in the league, leaving them sat five points above the relegation zone in 16th.

This tie presents Mikel Arteta's side with a great chance of keeping their hopes of winning a quadruple alive while the Stags will be eager to turn their form around with another stunning upset.

Here's our preview of Arsenal's trip to Mansfield.

Mansfield Town vs Arsenal: Preview, Prediction & Lineups

What time does Mansfield Town vs Arsenal kick off?

Mansfield Town vs Arsenal kicks off on Saturday 7 March at 12:15 GMT.

• When is kick off? Saturday 7 March, 2026
• What time is kick off? 12:15 GMT
• Where is it played? Field Mill
• Referee: Thomas Bramall

Mansfield Town vs Arsenal previous meetings

There has been just one instance where Arsenal have played Mansfield Town with that coming in the 1928/29 FA Cup.

How to watch Mansfield Town vs Arsenal

Mansfield Town team news

Nigel Clough will have to deal with the absence of his captain Ryan Sweeney for this huge test as he is out of contention due to a hamstring issue. A similar injury could prevent Baily Cargill from having any involvement for the remainder of the season.

The hosts could also be without defender Luke Bolton after he picked up a calf injury in his side's 0-0 draw with Rotherham, forcing him to substituted after just 13 minutes.

Predicted Mansfield Town lineup vs Arsenal: Roberts; Knoyle, Oshilaja, Blake-Tracy; Akins, Lewis, Reed, McLaughlin; Evans, Roberts; Oates

Arsenal team news

If there ever was a game for Mikel Arteta to rotate, this will surely be it. The Spaniard will likely rest most of his key players for the trip to Field Mill and will offer those on the fringes of his squad chances to impress.

Eight first team players were missing from training on Friday, but it is likely this is due to the upcoming rest they need. Jurrien Timber, Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Declan Rice, Martín Zubimendi, Mikel Merino and Martin Ødegaard were all reported to be absent.

Myles Lewis-Skelly will miss the opportunity for some much-needed minutes as he serves his suspension after picking up yellow cards in his side's first two FA Cup matches.

Arteta will likely utilise youth for this one with Marli Salmon a possible starter while Max Dowman could make his first team return from injury off the bench.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Mansfield Town: Kepa; Salmon, Mosquera, Hincapié, Calafiori; Eze, Nørgaard, Havertz; Madueke, Jesus, Trossard

Mansfield Town vs Arsenal score prediction

While Mansfield managed an upset in the last round, they are unlikely to repeat that feat as they come up against the leaders of the Premier League.

This test should be a walk in the park for Arsenal with 54 league places separating the two sides, but the heavy rotation will prevent this from being a cricket score.

The Gunners should cruise into the next round with ease, but it won't be complete demolition for the Stags.

Prediction Mansfield 0-3 Arsenal