Arsenal have been given the easiest possible draw to reach the semi-final stage of the FA Cup, so why am I not totally convinced?
The Gunners face Conference Premier League side Sutton United on Monday, and following Sunday’s draw, a win would pair them up with fellow Conference Premier side Lincoln in the following round.
The two non-league sides were due to take each other on in their domestic league competition this weekend, only for it to be postponed by the pair reaching the unlikely heights of the FA Cup fifth round, and should an unlikely giant killing occur on Monday, they will earn the chance to take each other on for a place at Wembley.
Should Arsenal win as expected however, Lincoln will have earned themselves a big trip to the Emirates Stadium, with the prize of a place in the FA Cup semi-final on the line.
Our side come into the match with Sutton on a dreadful run of form, having lost three of our last four in all competitions, having conceded 10 goals in the mean time, and with the fans evidently turning on Arsene Wenger currently, the team may lack the support for Monday’s encounter.
Our ability advantage should prove too strong for our opponents regardless of the support the players receive, but the FA Cup has a way of instilling belief in the most unlikely opponents, and this weekend alone will have boosted Sutton, with Millwall and most amazingly Lincoln beating Premier League opposition, as well as Huddersfield refusing to bow down to Manchester City, who will have to face a replay in the coming weeks.
Our players will need to make sure they do not allow complacency to creep into their minds amidst what should be an easy win,
Would we rather have faced the likes of Millwall or Middlesbrough? Should we already be looking at a place at Wembley?
Pat J