Clough urges Stags to “seize the opportunity” against Arsenal in FA Cup
Premier League leaders visit Mansfield for Saturday’s 12:15pm kick-off
Mansfield Town have a huge test as they take on Arsenal in the 5th round of the FA Cup.
The League One Stags host the Premier League leaders at Field Mill on Saturday hoping to pull off one of the great cup shocks.
The Stags earned the tie after an impressive win over Burnley in the last round.
Mansfield boss Nigel Clough has told his side not to "waste the opportunity" of their lifetime in the FA Cup against Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta's side are gunning for the quadruple and Clough knows it could be a long afternoon if they turn it on.
The Mansfield boss has experience of how these ties can unfold after his Burton side lost 9-0 at Manchester City in the 2019 League Cup semi-final first leg.
"We're in the bottom half of League One, playing against the top of the Premier League," he said.
"Without breaking a sweat, they could easily demolish us. We knew that a few years ago when we went to Man City with Burton, such was the gulf and such was the quality, if they hit their stride.
"But we're going to make it as uncomfortable as we can in every way.
"It is possible. Shocks are possible.
"We've got quite a few players about 30 years of age, they might never get another chance to play against a Premier League side in this sort of round of the cup again.
"Give it everything and enjoy it. That's the message.
"Mansfield might not play Arsenal ever again while we're alive. We have very little chance, but, however small it is, give it a go."
Mansfield have pedigree for shocks this season, winning at Championship Sheffield United in the third round and following that up with a come-from-behind win against Premier League Burnley.
That win at Turf Moor saw them reach this stage of the competition for the first time since 1975 and they have not gone to the quarter-finals since 1969.
"It's great experiences for the supporters, as much as anything," Clough said. "We said at Burnley that it's 51 years since the club has been in the fifth round.
"That's an awful long time. So it means any supporter getting on 60 has never been aware of their club being in the fifth round.
"So it's lovely to give them those memories. Whatever happens Saturday, they'll always have that."
Craig Priest from the Mansfield Matters podcast says reaching the quarter-finals would be a big ask — but games like this are exactly what make the FA Cup special:
“It’s brilliant to see fans of all ages enjoying the occasion,” he adds, “even if a quarter-final spot would be a huge surprise."