FA Cup fifth round: things to look out for this weekend

Wolves hope to spring another surprise on Liverpool, Arsenal’s squad depth faces a Mansfield test, Alejandro Garnacho eyes a confidence-boosting run-out at Wrexham, and Pep Guardiola rails at kick-off times that could undermine both Manchester City and Newcastle in the Champions League: the FA Cup fifth-round weekend is packed with sub-plots.

Molineux is the stage for the first all-Premier League tie of the round, and Gary O’Neil’s Wolves are in buoyant mood after Tuesday’s league victory over the same opponents. Rob Edwards, preparing for his second clash with Liverpool in four days, insists he will not prioritise one competition over the other. “Does it have to be one or the other? No, so we are going to try and win both,” he said, having already rested players with Friday’s cup tie in mind.

Arsenal, meanwhile, travel to League Two Mansfield Town aware that the Stags will attempt to suffocate midfield. Christian Nørgaard, signed from Brentford to add composure, has yet to start a league game but has been a regular in cup ties. The 31-year-old Dane—who turns 32 next week—could be crucial if Declan Rice’s minor scare at Chelsea develops into something more serious.

At the Racecourse Ground, Chelsea’s Alejandro Garnacho needs a performance. The Argentine winger has started only three league fixtures in 2026 and is still searching for the swagger he showed at Manchester United. Liam Rosenior has given him 175 minutes across two cup wins; a third, against a strong Championship Wrexham side, offers a stage to prove the gap in class still exists.

Scheduling discontent dominates the build-up to Saturday’s late kick-off at St James’ Park. Guardiola and Eddie Howe both face European last-16 first legs next week—Real Madrid for City, Barcelona for Newcastle—and the 8 p.m. start means a likely 1 a.m. landing for the visitors. “The fatigue makes a difference,” Guardiola warned, while supporters face dwindling rail options whichever direction they travel.

Fulham host Southampton on Sunday hoping Oscar Bobb can ignite an attack that misfired against West Ham. Marco Silva has started the 22-year-old Norwegian only twice since his arrival from Manchester City; with Harry Wilson absent, the Championship visitors could provide the ideal foil for a statement display.

Port Vale’s Tyler Magloire will line up against Sunderland just three months after turning out for Workington in the Northern Premier Division. The centre-back, signed in January by former Northampton boss Jon Brady, played 98 minutes in Tuesday’s defeat of Bristol City and now faces a stark step up in class.

Norwich’s renaissance under Philippe Clement has set up an intriguing visit to Leeds. Clement has not only eased relegation fears but also instilled belief that “against any opponent, on one day, my team can win.” Daniel Farke, suspended, watches from the stands as his old club attempt to extend their own Cup run while fighting for survival.

Finally, West Ham must balance progress with preservation. Beating QPR in the third round lifted the gloom around the London Stadium, yet Nuno Espírito Santo rested players in the fourth round and may do so again when Brentford arrive on Monday. With a league visit from Manchester City looming five days later, Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville are unlikely to be risked unnecessarily.

From non-league resurrection to European hangover management, the FA Cup fifth round promises drama long before Wembley comes into view.