What Fate Awaits Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool in the FA Cup Fifth-Round Draw?

Arsenal, currently leading the Premier League, will face League One side Mansfield Town in the fifth round of the FA Cup. This matchup was determined during the FA Cup draw, which unveiled an exciting line-up of fixtures across the country, including notable clashes for some of England's most storied football clubs.

Last updated: 25 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The fifth round of the FA Cup is shaping up to be a thrilling affair, with Arsenal and Chelsea among the clubs set to host lower-league opposition. The draw has generated excitement as teams like Macclesfield, who pulled off a stunning upset by eliminating Crystal Palace, look to continue their fairy-tale run. The matches are scheduled for the weekend starting 7 March 2024, with the FA Cup now adopting a format where replays have been scrapped, ensuring that all ties will be settled on the day, either in extra time or via penalties.

Key takeaways

Arsenal will play Mansfield Town, while Chelsea faces Wrexham.
Macclesfield aims to upset Brentford to face West Ham in the next round.
Matches will occur on the weekend of 7 March 2024, with no replays.

Timeline: how we got here

The road to the fifth round of the FA Cup has been filled with excitement and surprises. Here’s a brief timeline of key events leading up to this stage:

3 January 2024: Third-round matches conclude, with Macclesfield's stunning win over Crystal Palace.
24 January 2024: Fourth-round matches are drawn, with various clubs eager to progress.
25 October 2023: Fifth-round draw takes place, matching teams for upcoming fixtures.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest news includes the announcement of the fifth-round fixtures, with Arsenal set to host Mansfield and Chelsea facing Wrexham. The exciting prospect of Macclesfield potentially facing West Ham adds to the allure of the competition.

What was already established

The FA Cup has seen a mix of Premier League teams and lower-league clubs progress, with the format change eliminating replays to accommodate European schedules. This change has shifted the dynamics of how teams approach their matches, knowing that a draw will lead to extra time or penalties.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The upcoming matches will draw significant attention from football fans across the UK, with many eager to witness potential upsets and thrilling performances. The matches will likely inspire local gatherings and increased viewership in pubs and homes, contributing to a vibrant football culture.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses, especially pubs and restaurants, can expect an uptick in customers during the FA Cup matches. The heightened interest in football can lead to increased sales and job opportunities within the hospitality sector as fans gather to watch the games.

Policy and regulation

As the FA Cup progresses, local authorities may need to consider public safety and transport arrangements for match days, especially in areas likely to see large crowds. The FA's decision to remove replays has implications for scheduling and logistics, streamlining the tournament but also intensifying the pressure on teams to perform.

Numbers that matter

16 teams remain in the FA Cup after the fourth round, showcasing a mix of Premier League and lower-league clubs.
Macclesfield's upset over Crystal Palace is regarded as one of the biggest shocks in FA Cup history.
Last season saw the removal of replays from the FA Cup, affecting match strategies and outcomes.
Arsenal is currently leading the Premier League, heightening expectations for their FA Cup performance.
All fifth-round matches are set to take place on the weekend starting 7 March 2024.

Definitions and jargon buster

FA Cup: The Football Association Challenge Cup, a knockout football competition in English football.
Replays: Matches that are played again if the first match ends in a draw, eliminated from the FA Cup starting last season.
Extra time: Additional periods of play to determine a winner if a match is tied after regular time.
Pens: Short for penalty shootouts, a method to break ties in knockout competitions.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

The focus will be on the upcoming fifth-round matches, with teams preparing for crucial fixtures that could define their seasons. Fans will be eagerly anticipating how lower-league teams perform against higher-tier opponents.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the FA Cup progresses, teams will need to balance league commitments with cup runs. The outcome of these matches can impact league standings and player morale.

Signals to watch

Match performance metrics, including goals scored and player injuries, will be key indicators of team readiness.
Fan attendance and engagement levels can signal the broader impact of the FA Cup on local economies.
Upcoming scheduling changes as teams navigate their commitments in both league and cup competitions.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay updated on match schedules and any last-minute changes due to weather or other factors.
Support local businesses by watching matches in community establishments.
Engage with local football communities to enhance the matchday experience.

Don’t

Don’t assume outcomes; lower-league teams can produce surprises.
Don’t overlook the logistical aspects of attending matches, like travel and accommodation.
Don’t forget to consider the impact of match results on league positions.

Checklist

Check match times and venues for the fifth-round fixtures.
Review team news, including injuries and form guides.
Plan how to watch the matches, whether at home or in a local pub.
Consider travel arrangements if attending matches in person.
Keep an eye on social media for updates and fan engagement.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the draw for the fifth round has generated excitement, there are uncertainties regarding match outcomes, player availability, and potential weather disruptions. The FA Cup format change has also raised questions about how teams will adapt their strategies without replays. Fans should remain aware of these dynamics as they engage with the tournament.

Bottom line

The FA Cup fifth round promises to be a thrilling chapter in this season's football narrative, with Arsenal and other top teams facing potential upsets from lower-league sides. As the matches approach, the excitement builds not only for the games themselves but also for the broader implications on team morale and local economies.

FAQs

When will the fifth round of the FA Cup take place?

The fifth round matches are scheduled for the weekend commencing 7 March 2024.

What is the significance of the FA Cup?

The FA Cup is one of the oldest and most prestigious knockout competitions in football, offering clubs the chance for glory and potential financial rewards.

How are ties resolved if teams are level at full time?

If matches end in a draw, they will proceed to extra time, and if still tied, a penalty shootout will determine the winner.