Mikel Arteta to make eight Arsenal changes vs Mansfield Town, 16yo starts in defence

Arsenal take on League One side Mansfield Town in the FA Cup fifth round this afternoon.

The Gunners travel to the One Call Stadium on the back of three impressive Premier League wins.

Arsenal had to work hard for their victory at Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend. Bukayo Saka scored the only goal at the Amex Stadium before a strong defensive performance.

Against Mansfield, manager Mikel Arteta is expected to ring the changes. We anticipate at least eight from the hard-fought victory over the Seagulls on the South Coast.

Goalkeeper switch

Kepa Arrizabalaga has played exclusively in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup this campaign. The Spaniard is expected to replace his compatriot David Raya in goal against The Stags. He will be eyeing his fifth clean sheet of the season.

Calafiori returns in defence, full debut for Salmon

William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber and Ben White were all absent from today’s training session. Saliba and White are carrying short-term injuries and look poised to miss out, while Gabriel and Timber should be given a breather. They could feature on the bench.

We anticipate Cristian Mosquera to partner Piero Hincapie in the heart of the defence. Gabriel could come as a substitute to replace the latter. Riccardo Calafiori is set to start as the left-back ahead of Myles Lewis-Skelly, who is suspended after two yellow cards in the competition.

There could be a maiden start for 16-year-old Marli Salmon at right-back.

Midfield overhaul

Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice are expected to feature on the bench. They require a much-needed rest before the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie at Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday night. Christian Norgaard and Kai Havertz are likely to replace the duo.

Max Dowman could make his first senior appearance since his lengthy injury setback. Eberechi Eze should be rested after playing almost 90 minutes in three straight league matches. We fancy Dowman operating as the attacking midfielder. He has found vast success in the position for the academy.

Madueke & Jesus return in attack

In the final third, Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyokeres should be rested ahead of the Leverkusen game. Noni Madueke has played just one minute in the last three league matches and looks guaranteed to start on the right wing. Similarly, Gabriel Jesus has been an unused substitute for three games on the stretch and should get his opportunity to lead the line against Mansfield.

Leandro Trossard is most likely to start against Leverkusen on the road next week. Based on that, Gabriel Martinelli should feature from the left wing against Mansfield. He has already netted four goals in just two FA Cup appearances this term and should fancy extending his tally.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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