Mansfield Town loanee and lifelong Tottenham Hotspur fan Oliver Irow could be given a dream opportunity to play against north London rivals Arsenal.

Irow, who signed for Mansfield Town on loan from Spurs in January, will be in contention to feature in the mouth-watering FA Cup clash against Arsenal this weekend.

The Premier League powerhouses will make the trip north to the One Call Stadium as Stags prepare to play in the fifth round of the tournament for the first time in 50 years.

As Nigel Clough considers his options to face Arsenal, Irow could be given a dream opportunity to play against his boyhood club’s rivals.

Oliver Irow of Mansfield Town celebrates his goal during the Sky Bet League One match between Mansfield Town and Port Vale at One Call Stadium on January 17, 2026 in Mansfield, England. (Photo by Mark Sutton/Getty Images)

placeholder image — Oliver Irow of Mansfield Town celebrates his goal during the Sky Bet League One match between Mansfield Town and Port Vale at One Call Stadium on January 17, 2026 in Mansfield, England. (Photo by Mark Sutton/Getty Images)

The 19-year-old penned a new contract with Tottenham last summer but he hasn’t yet made his senior debut for the north London side. After extending his terms with Spurs, Irow told club media: “I’ve always been a Spurs fan and I’ve been here since I was eight.”

Irow has faced Arsenal’s youth sides while at Tottenham but has never come up against Mikel Arteta’s senior Gunners. Mansfield Town’s FA Cup clash could be the moment that changes.

“It’d be massive for him, he’ll probably see it as kind of a derby,” Rhys Oates said on the prospect of Irow playing against Arsenal. “If he manages to play, he’s got to cherish the experience and put himself about and see what he can do.”

The Stags loan ace made an immediate impact following his January move. Irow marked a dream debut performance against Port Vale, coming off the bench in the second half to score a brace in their 3-0 home win. His double included a spectacular strike from the edge of the box, which earned him the Stags’ Goal of the Month award for January.

Since his explosive arrival at the One Call Stadium, Irow has been handed regular appearances in League One, including a full 90 minutes against Plymouth, but he is yet to make his FA Cup debut for Stags. Irow was an unused substitute against both Sheffield United and Burnley but such a monumental occasion against Arsenal could give him the opportunity to step out against his boyhood opponents.