Mansfield Town lineup confirmed ahead of Arsenal clashplaceholder image
Mansfield Town lineup confirmed ahead of Arsenal clash | Getty Images
Mansfield take on Premier League leaders Arsenal in what has the potential to be an FA Cup classic
The Stags have made changes from the team that secured a 0-0 draw away at Rotherham United on Tuesday night, with Tyler Roberts coming into the starting lineup as part of a series of changes.
Here is the full Mansfield lineup for today’s contest with Arsenal: Roberts, Knoyle, Oshilaja, Blake-Tracy, Akins, Abbott, Reed, McLaughlin, Russell, T.Roberts, Oates
Mansfield Town’s FA Cup adventure so far
The League One side are without a win in their last nine league outings heading into the contest, but have proven they are capable of stepping up their levels in the FA Cup already this season.
Mansfield came back from behind to secure a 3-2 victory in the first round against League Two strugglers Harrogate Town. They needed penalties to emerge victorious against Accrington Stanley after 120 minutes at the Wham Stadium before really turning on the style at Bramall Lane by earning a 4-3 victory away at Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United.
On Valentines’ Day, the travelling Stags supporters were treated to their biggest upset of the competition so far as they came back from a goal down to secure a 2-1 victory over Premier League side Burnley, allowing the club to reach the fifth round of the competition for the first time since 1975 when Dave Smith was the first team manager.
Today, however, marks the biggest test so far for many of the Mansfield team as they go head-to-head with Arsenal, who are statistically the most successful team in FA Cup history with 14 FA Cup trophies.
Mikel Arteta’s side are also in excellent shape heading into the clash. They are top of the Premier League, finished first in the league-phase of the Champions League and are through to the final of the League Cup.
They progressed to this stage of the tournament by comfortably Championship side Portsmouth 4-1 away from home, while also recording an emphatic 4-0 win at home to Wigan Athletic.
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