Arsenal Face Giant-Killing Test as Mansfield Prepare Cup Upset Bid: Team News and Bold Predictions

Arsenal look to secure their passage to the FA Cup quarterfinals as they face League One side Mansfield Town this Saturday.

The North London club has enjoyed favorable matchups throughout this campaign, with two straightforward victories over English Football League (EFL) teams setting up this promising encounter. Gabriel Martinelli's treble powered their triumph over Portsmouth in round three, while a dominant first-half display saw them comfortably dispatch Wigan Athletic.

This marks their first encounter with Mansfield in nearly a century. Herbert Chapman was at the helm when Arsenal defeated the Stags 2–0 during the 1929–30 FA Cup campaign, a tournament the Gunners ultimately claimed.

Mikel Arteta's squad has bigger aspirations than just this competition as the season enters its final stretch, with their pursuit of four trophies still very much on track.

Mansfield, under Nigel Clough's guidance, harbor no such lofty goals for the remainder of the campaign. Their triumph over Burnley stood as the major shock of round four, marking the Stags' first appearance at this stage since 1969–70.

That stunning result at Turf Moor hasn't translated into improved League One form, however, as Saturday's home team remains without a victory in their last nine domestic fixtures. This poor run has left them dangerously close to relegation trouble, sitting just five points above 21st-placed Leyton Orient.

Mansfield vs. Arsenal Score Prediction

Mansfield vs. Arsenal Score Prediction

Arsenal Expected to Cruise Through

Arsenal Expected to Cruise Through

Success in Nottinghamshire would complete an outstanding week for Arsenal, who established a seven-point advantage at the Premier League summit on Wednesday. They then watched from the sidelines as Tottenham Hotspur suffered another defeat, further intensifying their local rivals' battle against relegation.

An Arsenal championship triumph combined with Spurs dropping to the Championship would create a season that would be nearly impossible to surpass.

Nevertheless, the Gunners are pursuing multiple titles in the coming months, and they possess as strong a possibility as any team to claim a record-breaking 15th FA Cup come May. They've handled lower-league opposition with ease so far, and a struggling Mansfield side appears unlikely to produce a monumental upset this Saturday.

Prediction: Mansfield 0–3 Arsenal

Prediction: Mansfield 0–3 Arsenal

Mansfield Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal

Mansfield Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal

The home side must attempt a historic FA Cup upset without their skipper Ryan Sweeney, who remains sidelined with a hamstring problem.

Baily Cargill has also fallen victim to a hamstring injury and may be ruled out for the remainder of the season. Both players were unavailable for the team's shock victory over Burnley last month, however.

Luke Bolton, who came off the bench at Turf Moor, faces uncertainty due to a calf complaint.

Veteran striker Rhys Oates has endured a difficult spell in front of goal during 2026, but the 31-year-old found the net first in the last round before versatile midfielder Louis Reed helped propel Clough's team into round five.

Mansfield predicted lineup vs. Arsenal (3-4-2-1): Roberts; Knoyle, Oshilaja, Blake-Tracy; Akins, Lewis, Reed, McLaughlin; Evans, Roberts; Oates.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Mansfield

Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Mansfield

Arteta will make extensive changes for Saturday's cup fixture, with Jurriën Timber, Gabriel, Declan Rice, Martín Zubimendi and Bukayo Saka among those who will definitely be given a break before their Champions League campaign resumes.

Young prospect Max Dowman has recently recovered from an ankle setback and might feature this weekend, while Marli Salmon could get the nod at right-back if Ben White hasn't fully recovered from his knock.

Mikel Merino might be the sole injury absentee, though William Saliba was absent from Wednesday's victory due to an ankle concern, and Martin Ødegaard's availability remains unclear.

Gabriel Jesus is expected to lead the attack, while Kai Havertz will probably play in the middle of the park.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs. Mansfield (4-3-3): Kepa; Salmon, Mosquera, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly; Nørgaard, Eze, Havertz; Madueke, Jesus, Martinelli.

What Time Does Mansfield vs. Arsenal Kick Off?

What Time Does Mansfield vs. Arsenal Kick Off?

How to Watch Mansfield vs. Arsenal on TV, Live Stream

How to Watch Mansfield vs. Arsenal on TV, Live Stream