Arsenal once again puts the focus on the FA Cup with a match that presents a marked contrast in hierarchies. One of the most powerful clubs in Europe and current leader of the Premier League will visit Mansfield Town at the One Call Stadium, in a duel that pits a giant of English football against the great revelation of this edition of the tournament.
The local team, which plays in League One – the third division of English football – has starred in one of the most striking stories of the cup. He got into this instance after first eliminating the Sheffield Unitedof the Championship, and then give the big blow against the BurnleyPremier League club. Now he will try to prolong the dream against a rival from another dimension.
On the other side will be a Arsenal who arrives in great shape, accumulating ten undefeated games in all competitions. However, the calendar forces us to look beyond this commitment. Next Wednesday Mikel Arteta’s men will visit the Bayer Leverkusen for the round of 16 of the Champions League. That is why it is not ruled out that the coach rotates several regular pieces of the starting eleven to manage loads and keep a squad that is still alive on multiple fronts competitive.
The possible Arsenal vs Mansfield lineup
BY: Kepa – The Spaniard was present in Arsenal’s two FA Cup victories (4-1 against Portsmouth and 4-0 against Wigan) and will once again take charge, replacing the usual starter, David Raya.
LD: Jurriën Timber – Given the lack of alternatives at right back (Ben White is still injured), Arteta trusts in a guaranteed player. Six assists and three goals for one of the best in his position in the best league on the planet.
DFC: Cristhian Mosquera – The Colombian has been a regular replacement part for the coach and will have the opportunity to start against Mansfield. Despite his good aerial game (he is 1.91 meters tall) he has not yet scored in the Gunner jersey.
DFC: Gabriel Magalhães – Possibly one of the best defenders in the world today. If he is physically well, Arteta does not remove him from the team. He played in the two previous FA Cup matches, contributing an impressive four goals in them.
LI: Myles Lewis-Skelly – If Timber ensures arrivals on the right side, Lewis-Skelly is not far behind on the opposite side. The 19-year-old also adds great technique and quality to his game. The question is whether he or Calafiori will play.
MC: Christian Nørgaard
– The Dane has not had the continuity he had at Brentford, where he was a pillar of the team. But Arteta knows his enormous abilities and this Saturday he will have the opportunity to show them from the start just as he did against Portsmouth and Wigan.
MC: Have mercy on the King – A wild card in Arsenal’s scheme. Able to play both as a midfielder and as a midfielder, the former Palace player contributes goals and exquisite punch.
MC: Kai Havertz – The German recovered from a serious knee injury and is gradually gaining pace. It will be important that he adds minutes so that Arteta considers him in the defining games of the season.
ED: Noni Maduke – Speed and overflow on the right side, the Frenchman is another who should take advantage of the opportunity to climb steps in the manager’s consideration.
HE: Gabriel Martinelli – The Brazilian was losing ground this season and is no longer an undisputed starter for Arteta. In the FA Cup he excelled with four goals in his two previous games.
DC: Gabriel Jesus – With Gyokeres being looked after for the Champions League match, the center forward position will go to the former City player, author of one goal and two assists in this FA Cup.
This is what Arsenal’s possible formation would look like (4-3-3)
Goalie: Kepa
Defenses: Jurriën Timber, Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel Magalhaes, Myles Lewis-Skelly
Midfielders: Christian Nørgaard, Eberechi Eze, Kai Havertz
Front: Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus
This is what Mansfield’s possible formation would look like (4-5-1)
Goalie: Roberts
Defenses: Akins, Hewitt, Oshilaja, Blake-Tracy
Midfielders: Reed; Bolton, Russell, Abbott, Irow
Front: Oates
