Arsenal XI vs. Mansfield: Arteta Makes Wholesale Changes—Injury News, Predicted Lineup

Nottinghamshire’s Field Mill will host a heavily rotated Arsenal side on Saturday as Mikel Arteta uses the FA Cup fifth-round tie against League One Mansfield Town to spare his regulars ahead of next week’s Champions League resumption. The mood around London Colney has swung from gloom to giddy optimism in a fortnight, and a serene passage into the quarter-finals would keep the unprecedented quadruple dream flickering.

William Saliba (ankle) is definitely out after missing Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Brighton, while Ben White and Martin Ødegaard are doubtful with knocks. Mikel Merino is the only other confirmed absentee. Conversely, teenage midfielder Max Dowman could reappear after recovering from an ankle problem of his own.

Between the sticks, cup keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is set for another start, allowing David Raya a breather. At right-back, 16-year-old Marli Salmon—who debuted in Europe in December—will step in if White fails a late fitness test. Cristhian Mosquera, one of the few who impressed at Brighton, keeps his centre-back berth, partnered by Riccardo Calafiori, with Gabriel and Piero Hincapié benched. Myles Lewis-Skelly, last season’s breakout star now starved of minutes, is poised to start on the left.

In midfield, Declan Rice and Martín Zubimendi will watch from the sidelines, giving Christian Nørgaard a rare start at the base. Eberechi Eze, still searching for form outside of north-London derbies, joins Kai Havertz, who returned from injury last week and may revert to a deeper role.

Up front, Noni Madueke replaces Bukayo Saka on the right, Gabriel Jesus leads the line after scoring against Wigan in the previous round, and Gabriel Martinelli—cup competition regular—keeps his place on the left ahead of Leandro Trossard.

Arteta is expected to keep a handful of senior stars at home entirely, ensuring fresh legs for continental combat while still fielding enough quality to avoid a cup shock in the East Midlands.

SEO keywords: