Following Arsenal’s 4-0 romp over Wigan in the 4th round of the FA Cup on Sunday, their 5th round match up has been sealed after today’s draw. The Gunners will travel to take on Mansfield Town from League One as Mikel Arteta’s side look to lift their first FA Cup trophy in six season.
You really cannot ask for a more favorable draw. With 16 clubs left, the chances of landing one of the remaining Premier League sides were high. With two 4th round matches left to play, the pot of available PL sides is
as high as 10 clubs. After several seasons of facing top flight opponents early on in the contest, the football gods were generous and benevolent this time around. Arsenal have what would appear to be a prime opportunity to book a ticket to the quarterfinals with a second consecutive League One opponent.
This matchup will see the Gunners face The Stags for the first time since 1929, when Arsenal bested them 2-0 in the FA Cup.
Up to six PL sides will face off, with the pick of the bunch being Newcastle hosting Manchester City. Chelsea’s trip to face Ryan Reynold’s Wrexham should make for a fun showing as well.
The 5th round matches are set to take place over the weekend of March 7th, placing this match between a trip to Brighton and a home match vs Everton in the league.
The draw in total is as follows:
- Fulham vs Southampton
- Port Vale or Bristol City vs Sunderland
- Newcastle United vs Manchester City
- Leeds United vs Norwich City
- Mansfield Town vs Arsenal
- Wolves vs Liverpool
- Wrexham vs Chelsea
- West Ham vs Macclesfield or Brentford
How do you all feel about the draw? Any other matches that you are intrigued by?
