Arsene Wenger set to hand starts to Lucas Perez, Kieran Gibbs, David Ospina and Gabriel for Arsenal’s FA Cup tie with Lincoln

Set to Start | Lucas Perez (left) expected to be named in the side, while Ospina (right) keeps his place
Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
James Olley10 March 2017

Arsene Wenger is expected to rotate his starting line-up for Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final tie against Lincoln City despite the importance of the match amid mounting pressure over his position.

Arsenal are set to recall Lucas Perez, Kieran Gibbs and Gabriel against the National League side as Wenger seeks to give game-time to several fringe players.

David Ospina will continue in goal, while Jeff Reine-Adelaide is likely to be included either from the start or among the substitutes.

Mesut Ozil, Danny Welbeck and Alex Iwobi have all been hit by a sickness bug and are doubts, while Alexis Sanchez could start on the bench, as he did in the previous round against Sutton United.

Per Mertesacker was hoping to be involved but it is unclear whether the German is ready for a return to first-team action. The 32-year-old has not featured for the club this season after undergoing knee surgery to heal an injury sustained in pre-season.

However, he has been in full training for some time and said: “It takes time and I cannot rush but I feel I have a good base of fitness now. I feel focused and happy to push from here.

“I’ve been sidelined for a long time. The way back was really intense, so you really cannot force anything at this stage. I feel good training with the first team, being at that level, and I will give my all to help the team.”

Another fan march is planned prior to kick-off, protesting against the decision to offer Wenger a new two-year contract.

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