Arsenal face Lincoln City this evening as they look to cement their place in the semi-final of the FA Cup.
The Gunners got the most favourable draw of the competition or the second consecutive round, having beaten fellow non-league side Sutton in the previous round, but despite our severe dominance in ability, this looks like a potential banana skin at present.
Arsenal have lost three of their last four matches in all competitions, with only the narrow 2-0 win over the thoroughly organised non-league side from the previous round. Those three losses racked up a huge 13 goals against us, and the resilience of our last cup opposition will have enthused today’s Lincoln side.
The Imps also have the form of the tie, having remained unbeaten in their last 10 outings including a 1-0 away win against Premier League side Burnley and a 3-1 home win over Championship high-flyers Brighton.
Arsenal come into the match with some issues with Alex Iwobi, Mesut Ozil and Danny Welbeck all suffering with illnesses, while Mohamed Elneny and Santi Cazorla are ruled out from our midfield.
Predicted XI:
Martinez
Debuchy Holding Koscielny Gibbs
Maitland-Niles Oxlade-Chamberlain
Walcott Reine-Adelaide Lucas
Giroud
Ashley Maitland-Niles and Jeff Reine-Adelaide have been given the nod in cup outings already this season, and both have done well, although the former has stood out from the pair. The Alexis Sanchez situation also leaves me confused as to the prospect of his inclusion in the side, but Lucas Perez more than deserves his left-wing spot.
As much as I have been reserved throughout the preview, I cant help but predict an Arsenal win, as we SHOULD be coming away from this with a four-goal win at least, but that just wouldn’t be very Arsenal-like at present.
Lincoln will come to the Emirates and look to defend, and I can see us only getting to half-time with only one goal, but this will force them to try and come forward a little more in the second half, and I can see them earning a respectable 3-0 loss.
Will Arsenal come to life today? How many would this line-up bag v the Imps?
Pat J