FA Cup Fifth Round Shocker: Wrexham Draw Premier League Powerhouse as Arsenal Face Giant-Killing Test

Arsenal will make the journey to League One outfit Mansfield Town, while Chelsea welcome Wrexham in the FA Cup fifth round fixtures.

This stage marks where the tournament truly begins to intensify. Teams are merely two victories away from securing a Wembley appearance, and the field of competitors is quickly narrowing.

With the absence of Manchester United and title holders Crystal Palace watching from the sidelines, Nigel Clough's lower-league challengers Mansfield are preparing for a fascinating encounter against the Premier League table-toppers. After mounting a comeback victory against top-flight opponents (in theory) Burnley during the fourth round away fixture, the Stags have good grounds for confidence when they welcome Arsenal to Field Mill.

Regardless of their prestigious cup heritage, this marks just the third occasion in the last 11 campaigns that Liverpool have progressed to the FA Cup fifth round stage. As per Mohamed Salah's assessment, their tournament hopes rest firmly on Dominik Szoboszlai's capable shoulders, though if the Hungarian midfielder continues his impressive form, Premier League bottom-dwellers Wolverhampton Wanderers should be cautious about facing them next month.

Manchester City weren't quite as dominant against Salford City but should feel optimistic about overcoming Newcastle United following their victory over the Magpies in the Carabao Cup semi-final encounters.

Chelsea navigated their away fixture at Hull City relatively smoothly—except for Liam Delap's standing—and now host Championship promotion contenders Wrexham in what could be considered the standout fixture of this round.

2025–26 FA Cup Fifth Round Draw in Full

2025–26 FA Cup Fifth Round Draw in Full

Ball Numbers for FA Cup Fifth Round Draw

Ball Numbers for FA Cup Fifth Round Draw

1. Liverpool
2. Fulham
3. Sunderland
4. Southampton
5. Wrexham
6. Arsenal
7. Chelsea
8. West Ham United
9. Mansfield Town
10. Norwich City
11. Port Vale or Bristol City
12. Wolverhampton Wanderers
13. Newcastle United
14. Manchester City
15. Macclesfield or Brentford
16. Leeds United

2025–26 FA Cup Round Dates

2025–26 FA Cup Round Dates

The fifth round matches will commence during the opening weekend of March, just days before the initial leg of Champions League last-16 encounters begin.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City will need to juggle their domestic cup aspirations with European commitments, while Newcastle United might also face this challenge should they advance past their two-leg elimination tie against Qarabağ.