Arsenal’s upcoming FA Cup fifth round match against Mansfield Town is being billed as a potential upset. The game has been chosen by TNT Sports for a 12.15pm kick-off. Mikel Arteta is aware of the challenges his team faces.
Mansfield’s Form and Arsenal’s Quadruple Chase
Mansfield are currently 16th in League One. The Stags are uncomfortably close to the relegation zone and have gone nine league matches without a win. Arsenal, meanwhile, are chasing the quadruple.
Nigel Clough acknowledged the difference in quality between the two squads. He recalled a recent FA Youth Cup match where Arsenal beat Mansfield 4-1. Clough noted that some of the Arsenal youth players would cause problems for Mansfield’s first team.
Arteta Anticipates Changes Amidst Congested Schedule
Arteta is expected to make significant changes to his team. Arsenal have a Champions League last 16 first leg match against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday. The Arsenal manager’s changes may level the playing field somewhat, but Arsenal possess a deep squad.
The playing surface at Field Mill may also prove a challenge. The pitch is not up to Premier League standards.
Arsenal’s Target and Potential Crowd Reaction
Arsenal’s recent form has put a target on their back. Their dominance in every competition has made them a team everyone wants to beat. The Brighton manager, Fabian Hürzeler, recently complained about Arsenal’s time-wasting tactics, echoing similar complaints.
The Mansfield crowd is unlikely to react with respect to any perceived gamesmanship from Arsenal. This will be the highest-profile visitors to their ground since Liverpool played there in the FA Cup third round in 2013.
Arteta’s Preparation and Focus
Arteta plans to prepare thoroughly and embrace the challenge. This includes studying Nigel Clough and Mansfield. Arteta said he is always interested in understanding the history, tradition, and values of a club.
Arteta wants to understand what Mansfield will try to do.
There will be a palpable sense of time and place for Mansfield.