FA Cup fifth-round draw pairs “Davids against Goliaths”

The fifth-round draw of the FA Cup has thrown up a series of compelling ties, with lower-league hopefuls and Premier League heavyweights set to collide next month. 

The standout pairing sees League One side Mansfield Town handed a glamour home tie against Arsenal, a meeting that captures the competition’s enduring magic. The two clubs have not met in the FA Cup since 1929, when Arsenal prevailed 2-0.

Arsenal thrashed their last opponents in the previous round with a 4-0 win over Wigan, with all four goals coming in the first 30 minutes of the game.

Non-league Macclesfield FC will travel to face West Ham United if they can overcome Brentford in their fourth-round tie. 

The Silkmen have already stunned holders Crystal Palace in this season’s competition and will be dreaming of another memorable away day in east London should they progress.

There is another eye-catching all-Premier League showdown as Newcastle United host Manchester City. 

Meanwhile, Wolverhampton Wanderers welcome Liverpool in a tie that promises high intensity, while Fulham face Southampton.

Championship and lower-league representation remains strong elsewhere in the draw. Leeds United take on Norwich City in an all-Championship clash, while either Port Vale or Bristol City will host Sunderland.

Two more ties complete the line-up, with Wrexham rewarded with a home fixture against Chelsea, and the winners of Macclesfield versus Brentford already knowing a trip to West Ham awaits. 

The draw ensures a mix of traditional heavyweights and ambitious underdogs, setting the stage for another dramatic chapter in this season’s FA Cup.

Fixtures:

Mar 6-9 TBC Fulham v Southampton 

Mar 6-9 TBC Port Vale or Bristol City v Sunderland

Mar 6-9 TBC Newcastle v Man City

Mar 6-9 TBC Leeds v Norwich 

Mar 6-9 TBC Mansfield Town v Arsenal 

Mar 6-9 TBC Wolves v Liverpool 

Mar 6-9 TBC Wrexham v Chelsea

Mar 6-9 TBC West Ham v Macclesfield or Brentford