League One side Mansfield Town will host Arsenal in the FA Cup fifth round after producing one of the standout upsets of the competition. The Stags came from behind to beat Burnley 2 1 at Turf Moor, booking their place in the last 16 for the first time since 1975 and setting up a dream home tie against the 14-time winners.
Mansfield’s comeback against Premier League opposition has already become a talking point across social platforms. After trailing at half time, they responded with energy and belief in the second period, overturning the deficit and sealing a famous victory. Now they prepare to welcome Arsenal, a club with a deep FA Cup pedigree and a history of thriving in knockout football.
For Arsenal, the draw presents both opportunity and pressure. Trips to lower league grounds can be unpredictable, particularly when underdogs carry momentum and a packed stadium behind them. The Emirates side will be expected to progress, but Mansfield have already shown they are capable of rising to the occasion.
Elsewhere in the draw, Newcastle face Manchester City in an all Premier League clash that adds extra intrigue. The fixture mirrors one of this season’s League Cup semi finals, promising another tactical battle between two sides chasing silverware on multiple fronts. Both clubs will see the FA Cup as a realistic target, making this one of the headline ties of the round.
Another eye catching matchup sees Wrexham host Chelsea. The Championship promotion hopefuls continue to capture attention with their cup runs and will relish the chance to test themselves against eight time FA Cup winners. Chelsea’s squad depth will be crucial as they juggle domestic and European commitments.
Liverpool travel to Wolves in another top flight encounter, while West Ham take on Brentford in a London derby with quarter final stakes. Leeds United meet Norwich City in a Championship showdown that guarantees second tier representation in the next round.
Sunderland, meanwhile, await the winner of the postponed fourth round tie between Port Vale and Bristol City. With their next opponent yet to be confirmed, preparation remains uncertain as that fixture is scheduled for early March.
The fifth round matches are set to be played across the weekend of 7 and 8 March, keeping the cup schedule tight as clubs balance league campaigns and potential European obligations.
From giant killings to heavyweight clashes, the draw has delivered a mix of romance and rivalry. Mansfield hosting Arsenal stands out as the story many fans will circle first, with the League One side dreaming of another chapter in their historic run.
