I think it has become evidently clear that Arsenal legend Charlie Nicholas does not mince his words.
Nicholas predicted that the Gunners would beat what he described as being a ‘bog standard’ AC Milan team in the San Siro last week and low and behold they did.
Speaking to Sky Sports Nicholas called the Italians bog standard yet again and said Arsenal will end up smashing the visitors.
He told Sky Sports: “Well after the shambles of Arsenal’s last home game in this competition, when they nearly blew it against Ostersund, Arsene Wenger will play a strong line-up with a free weekend to follow.
“This team still have issues despite the 3-0 win at the weekend but they are slowly getting a response.
“I do think at close to even money it is a great price on Arsenal to win given the quality of players who should play and it is another opportunity to build momentum, and get the fans that are there on side.
“I’m actually going a step further and backing Arsenal to win by three or more goals against this bog-standard Milan side.”
Nicholas did however, also make an unexpected revelation, claiming that he has the ‘feeling’ Arsene Wenger might announce that he is stepping down on Friday or over the weekend.
Does he know something the rest of us don’t?
“However, I also have a feeling that there might be an announcement by the manager either on Friday or over the weekend to confirm that he is going to step down in the summer, perhaps going upstairs, easing the tension and allowing the team to have a go for the Europa League without the same strain,” he added.
“He knows the fans don’t hate him, they’re just angry with him, but it was the first time I’ve heard him use the word ‘hate’ and I just think he’s realising he needs to do something to ease the anger.
“I think when he looks up and sees 25,000 fans in the stadium he created that he’ll come to a decision that something has to change.”
Arsenal head into the Europa League Last 16 second-leg tie with a 2-0 aggregate lead.
The tie will see two Germany born Turks take each on with Mesut Ozil representing Arsenal and Hakan Calhanoglu repping for the Rossoneri.
Ozil came out on top in the first leg providing assists for both goals but only after a controversial penalty incident involving Calhanoglu.
