Arsenal and Chelsea face underdogs – Gunners vs. a trap, Blues vs. a Hollywood challenge

Arsenal, once almost synonymous with FA Cup glory, have recently struggled in the competition, but they’ve now reached the fifth round for the first time since their record 14th triumph in 2019-20.

Mikel Arteta’s side made light work of both Portsmouth and Wigan, netting four goals against the 2008 and 2013 winners, keeping alive the prospect of an unprecedented quadruple this season.

The Gunners haven’t exited at this stage since 2012-13—when Arteta was part of the squad that lost to Blackburn—and it’s been even longer, since 1992, since a third-division or lower team eliminated them.

Yet, the FA Cup may take a backseat for Arsenal, who are chasing Premier League and Champions League glory. Their 1-0 victory at Brighton on Wednesday, coupled with Manchester City’s stumble at Nottingham Forest, has them sitting seven points clear at the top of the league.

Heading to Field Mill, Arsenal are riding a 10-match unbeaten run in all competitions and an impressive 12-game streak away from home—their best since Arteta took charge.

Mansfield face long odds, but the Stags have shown their giant-killing credentials, stunning Burnley at Turf Moor with a sensational free kick in the fourth round—a win that ended a 51-year absence from the FA Cup fifth round.

For manager Nigel Clough, the fixture carries personal resonance: his father, Brian Clough, played his final Nottingham Forest match against Arsenal in 1993, a 2-0 defeat in which Nigel himself also featured.

Meanwhile, across the country in North Wales, Wrexham host Chelsea in their first FA Cup meeting since 1982, aiming for another giant-killing upset at the Racecourse Ground.

The Championship side have already knocked out Premier League opposition, eliminating Nottingham Forest on penalties after a 3-3 thriller, before edging Ipswich 1-0 to reach the fifth round for the first time since 1996-97.

Home advantage has been crucial for Phil Parkinson’s Red Dragons, who have won their last three matches at the Racecourse, scoring eight and conceding four. Chelsea, eight-time FA Cup winners, last fell to lower-league opposition in a shock 4-2 loss to Bradford City at Stamford Bridge in 2015—a tie masterminded by none other than then-Bradford manager Phil Parkinson.

Fast forward to 2026, and Chelsea, now led by Liam Rosenior, have continued their strong FA Cup form, thrashing Charlton Athletic 5-1 and Hull City 4-0 in the third and fourth rounds.

While recent league results—losses to Leeds, Burnley, and Arsenal—may have dented confidence, a 4-1 win over Aston Villa on Wednesday, powered by Joao Pedro, has helped lift spirits ahead of the trip to Wrexham.

Given Chelsea’s unpredictable nature—oscillating between brilliance and mediocrity—Rosenior knows there’s no room for complacency, as Wrexham will be eager to capitalize on any slip-up and continue their memorable FA Cup run.

FA CUP - ROUND OF 16

Friday

Wolverhampton - Liverpool 1-3 (0-0)

/Hwang 90+1 - Robertson 51, Salah 53, Jones 74/

Saturday

15.15: (25.0) Mansfield (13.0) Arsenal (1.07)

20.45: (7.00) Wrexham (4.85) Chelsea (1.42)

23.00: (3.40) Newcastle (3.75) Man City (2.05)

Sunday

15.00: (1.55) Fulham (4.20) Southampton (5.90)

16.30: (7.75) Port Vale (4.50) Sunderland (1.42)

19.30: (1.45) Leeds (4.65) Norwich (6.50)

Monday

22.30: (2.95) West Ham (3.45) Brentford (2.35)

***odds are subject to change***