Arsenal are in utter chaos right now and the second humiliation of a 1-5 defeat within a month seems to have finally broken a façade which was protecting the manager and the inept players. The fans have turned on them and the shockingly submissive nature of the defeat raises questions of almost everything associated with the club.
Seventh successive season of elimination in the Round of 16 along with the satisfaction of somehow qualifying for the Champions League and being content with that has been hugely detrimental to their mentality and progress. With the dip in form and the mini-crisis in the camp with reports of bust-ups and the likes, it is looking increasingly difficult for Arsenal to finish in their favourite 4th spot now.
6 teams are well in the fight to qualify with Chelsea guaranteed of a place and Liverpool and Manchester United are looking likely to keep chipping away at the points gap with the rest. An extremely crucial and vital phase of the season awaits the Gunners and the minimum they can do is to finish in the Top 4. With Manchester United and Chelsea facing each other in the quarters of the FA Cup, there is a chance that they can clinch the Cup with Lincoln City their opponents.
PREDICTED ARSENAL LINE-UP VS LINCOLN CITY (4-2-3-1)
DEFENCE
Ospina might carry on his role as the cup keeper. In that case, he will line up under the bar and will be confident of keeping a clean sheet. Something he will be desperately in need of after conceding 10 against Bayern Munich over two legs. Bellerin will be at right-back while Koscielny and Mustafi will be starting in central defence. The team once again gave way after the French international was sent off but are likely to be solid with him in the rearguard. On the left, Gibbs might make a comeback with Monreal dismal once again.
MIDFIELD
Granit Xhaka was the sole player to come out of the match with any credit and he is likely to retain his starting spot. Alongside Chamberlain, he was more assured and impactful and Wenger will be tempted to play both of them again. In the No.10 role, we might see Ozil start after making an appearance off the bench against Munich.
ATTACK
Alexis Sanchez might start even though there are enough doubts regarding his future at the club to suggest otherwise. Walcott will be on the opposite wing while Giroud will be leading the line.
OSPINA
BELLERIN- KOSCIELNY- MUSTAFI- GIBBS
XHAKA- CHAMBERLAIN
WALCOTT- OZIL- SANCHEZ
GIROUD
