Mansfield vs Arsenal: FA Cup Date, Time, TV Channel & Team News 2026
Mansfield Town will host Arsenal in the FA Cup fifth round on , kicking off at . The League One side, fresh off a giant-killing victory over Burnley in the previous round, will face a Premier League powerhouse aiming for an unprecedented quadruple.
The match at One Call Stadium represents a significant occasion for both clubs. For Mansfield, it’s a chance to further cement their reputation as cup competitors and potentially pull off another monumental upset. Arsenal, currently leading the Premier League, will be looking to continue their impressive form across all competitions, though manager Mikel Arteta is expected to rotate his squad with a Champions League tie against Bayer Leverkusen looming.
This will be the first meeting between Mansfield Town and Arsenal since January 1929, a match Arsenal won 2-0. The gap of 97 years between fixtures is second only to Arsenal’s 102-year gap between games against Lincoln City (1915-2017). The historical disparity underscores the contrasting fortunes of the two clubs, and the magnitude of the challenge facing Nigel Clough’s Mansfield side.
Arsenal comes into the match having recently secured a 1-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, extending their unbeaten run to ten games in all competitions. However, that win wasn’t without scrutiny, with Brighton coach Fabian Hurzeler criticizing Arsenal’s perceived time-wasting tactics. Arteta’s side currently holds a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League table after Manchester City dropped points against Nottingham Forest.
Mansfield’s league form has been less consistent. They’ve slipped to 16th in League One and are only five points clear of the relegation zone. A recent goalless draw against Rotherham United followed a run of four games without a win, highlighting their struggles in the league. The FA Cup offers a welcome distraction and an opportunity to showcase their capabilities against top-tier opposition.
Team news for Mansfield indicates a potential injury concern for Luke Bolton, who was forced off after just 13 minutes in their recent draw with Rotherham. He underwent a scan to determine the extent of the injury. Midfielder George Abbott, on loan from Tottenham, is eligible to feature and should be available after being substituted at halftime against Rotherham.
Arteta is anticipated to create several changes to his Arsenal lineup. Kepa Arrizabalaga is expected to start in goal, with opportunities likely for players such as Christian Norgaard, Riccardo Calafiori, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus. Max Dowman could too feature after returning to the matchday squad. However, key players like Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Jurrien Timber, and Bukayo Saka may be rested.
Arsenal have injury concerns with William Saliba, Martin Odegaard, and Ben White all doubtful. Myles Lewis-Skelly is suspended, having been booked in both of Arsenal’s previous FA Cup ties this season.
Statistically, Arsenal hold a significant advantage. They have scored 11 goals to Mansfield’s 8 this season, and boast a far superior shot conversion rate, with 193 shots compared to Mansfield’s 37. Arsenal also demonstrate greater passing accuracy (87.98%) compared to Mansfield (68.08%). However, Mansfield have been competitive in terms of blocked shots (8 to Arsenal’s 13).
Betfair currently lists Mansfield as 14/1 outsiders to qualify for the next round. The odds reflect the clear disparity in quality and expectation between the two sides.
Despite their recent form, Arsenal will be heavily favored to advance to the next stage of the FA Cup. Arteta’s side has demonstrated a knack for grinding out results, even when not at their best. Mansfield, however, will be motivated by the prospect of causing a major upset and will undoubtedly provide a stern test for the Gunners. The match promises to be a compelling encounter, pitting a Premier League title contender against a determined League One underdog.
The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports in the UK, ESPN in the U.S., SonyLIV in India, and Stan Sport in Australia. Fans can also follow live updates on ESPN and through Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Matt Verri at the ground.