Arsenal vs Lincoln - as it happened: Gunners put difficult week behind them to reach FA Cup semi-finals
Re-live all the updates from the sixth-round FA Cup tie at the Emirates Stadium
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal take on the only non-league outfit to remain in this season's FA Cup when they host National League leaders Lincoln City at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
What time is kick off?
The game at the Emirates kicks off at 5.30pm on Saturday 11 March.
Where can I watch it?
The game can be watch live on BT Sport 2, with coverage starting at 5pm.
It’s a big game for…
Arsene Wenger: It’s a lose-lose game for the Arsenal manager. The pressure won’t subside with a win and it will only grow with a defeat or even a narrow victory.
Wenger is teetering on the edge with many loyalists turning their back on him after the 10-2 aggregate humiliation at the hands of Bayern Munich but a trip to Wembley will do some good for the fans.
Interesting fact…
Lincoln are the first non-league team to play in an FA Cup quarter-final since QPR in 1913/14.
Player to watch…
Alexis Sanchez: The Chilean has been Arsenal’s player to watch for the last few weeks – mainly to see his reaction while sitting on the bench.
Sanchez has been caught laughing with teammates during both the defeat to Liverpool and the 5-1 hammering at home by Bayern Munich.
If he thinks that is funny then he will be in stitches if the Gunners manage to fall behind against Lincoln.
Form guide…
Arsenal: LWLWLL
Lincoln: WWWWDW
Odds…
Arsenal: 1/15
Lincoln: 32/1
Draw: 23/2
Welcome to The Independent's live coverage of Arsenal vs Lincoln City.
The FA Cup's one remaining non-league outfit have been handed the toughest of tests, an away tie at the Emirates.
Then again, given how Arsene Wenger's side collapsed in midweek against Bayern Munich, perhaps there's never been a better time to face the Gunners.
Stay with us for team news, build-up and minute-by-minute updates...
Team news
Arsenal: Cech, Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Gibbs, Ramsey, Xhaka, Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Alexis, Giroud.
Substitutes: Martinez, Gabriel, Monreal, Coquelin, Iwobi, Ozil, Lucas.
Lincoln: Farman, Wood, Habergham, Waterfall, Muldoon, Power, Rhead, Hawkridge, Raggett, Arnold, Woodyard.
Substitutes: Etheridge, Marriott, Margetts, McMenemy, McCombe, Calder, Ward.
No matter what the outcome today, it's always going to be all about Lincoln.
A late header in the last round from Sean Raggett secured the non-league's side place in the quarter finals of the FA Cup. The visitors are the first non-league side to come this far for over 100 years.
However, with speculation surrounding the future of Wenger at the Emirates and a string of rather lacklustre performances from The Gunners - could this be the time for Lincoln? It appears that the boss is aware of the pressures, as he lines up with a very strong side. Their entire season now relies on finishing in the top four and securing silverware in this cup.
It's been a tremendous journey so far for Lincoln, but will the experience end here? We'll see.
Kick off at 17:30.
These two sides have not met in a competitive fixture since 1915 and this is their first encounter in the FA Cup. With the 26 previous games between the two sides all taking place in the second tier - this is by far the biggest meeting of the two clubs.
The Gunners will have to keep a close on Rhead today for Lincoln, as he has proved his worth in the recent cup ties against the bigger clubs. He will be the target man for the visitors today, so he could be the cause of the upset.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments