After the Gunners’ 3-2 dramatic victory over Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday. Sporting CP vs Arsenal will take place at José Alvalade Stadium on Thursday, as regards their UEFA Europa League round of 16 game.
Mikel Arteta’s men have been flying high since the beginning of the season in the league. Therefore, they would want to do better in the UEL clash.
The North London club have been kind of poor in their away matches this season, particularly in the league.
Regardless, they are currently on a 4-match winning streak after their 3-1 loss to Manchester City. With 12 goals scored in those matches.
Arsenal don’t have a good record playing against Portuguese teams. They had just one win in their previous seven European visits to Portugal.
However, they have defeated Sporting CP once at José Alvalade Stadium. Which was in 2018 with a 1-0 victory.
As a result, the Gunners are literally unbeaten as regards Arsenal vs Sporting CP head-to-head matches. One win and one draw.
At the same time, Mikel Arteta’s troops had just two defeats in their last 16 UEL away matches. With 11 wins and 3 draws.
Speaking of their consistency in the Premier League. They are most likely to perform amazingly on Thursday.
On the other hand, the Green and Whites are no amateurs in playing European competitions.
Seeing their all-around statistics in the UEFA Champions League. They have enough reinforcements to frustrate Arsenal.
Sporting CP are also on a 5-game unbeaten streak in all competitions. With their 1-0 win over Portimonense on Saturday.
Of course, they have already won 2-0 against a North London club in the UCL. Which was Tottenham during the group-stage.
Also, the Portuguese side have lost just once in their previous 3 home UEL games against Premier League sides.
Sporting CP manager, Rúben Amorim, has already praised the Gunners. However, he won’t definitely hold back on Thursday.
The Green and Whites may be in 4th position in the Liga Portugal. Nevertheless, they don’t joke with European matches.
With all that being said, the Sporting CP vs Arsenal predictions may end in a tie. Both teams are equipped defensively and offensively.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta would start Reiss Nelson in the UEFA Europa League game. As he grabbed a goal and an assist on Saturday.
Also, Hector Bellerin, the ex-Arsenal right-back, would be eager to face his former team. Preparing himself to clash with Gabriel Martinelli.
The Gunners wouldn’t want to underestimate the Green and Whites at José Alvalade Stadium.
Because they have many brilliant and dangerous players. Rúben Amorim has already beaten Tottenham this campaign.
Sporting CP Recent Form
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Arsenal Recent Form
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Sporting CP vs Arsenal Team News
Fortunately, Rúben Amorim has a full and healthy squad to play against the North London club.
All his players are available for selection, except Daniel Braganca. The Portuguese midfielder has been on the sidelines since 2022.
Paulinho, who scored the only goal against Portimonense on Saturday. He’s available, ready to lead the frontline.
Pedro Goncalves, with 4 goals in his previous 4 games. Another boost for the Green and Whites ahead of the UEL clash.
Paulinho played just 16 minutes during the weekend. Which means, Rúben Amorim rested him ahead of Thursday.
On the contrary, Mikel Arteta has a few players on the sidelines. Regardless, there are enough reinforcements in the squad.
According to Simon Collings of the Standard Sport, Eddie Nketiah won’t be available for the game.
The English youngster will miss the UEFA Europa League match due to an ankle injury, as he was absent on Saturday.
And he’s also most likely to be unavailable for Sunday’s Premier League game against Fulham.
Therefore, that gives Reiss Nelson a massive chance to continue leading the frontline. Obviously, he has the ability to lead the attack.
Leandro Trossard seems unavailable as well because of a muscle injury. He was subbed off early against Bournemouth.
Also, Gabriel Jesus is still on the sidelines as a result of his convalescence. The Brazilian has been unavailable for weeks.
However, he’s expected to travel with the squad to Portugal, according to Jordan Davies of the Sun Football.
Regardless, Jesus is very unlikely to be involved in the UEFA Europa League game. His return is set for after the international break.
Mohamed Elneny is still unavailable because of a knock. But the Gunners are very balanced in the midfield.
Sporting CP Possible Lineup (3-4-3)
Adan; Goncalo Inacio, Coates, St. Juste; Santos, Esgaio; Morita, Ugarte; Pedro Goncalves, Paulinho, Edwards.
Rúben Amorim is expected to be very offensive against the Gunners. Depending on his front-three to frustrate the visitor.
Antonio Adan has kept three consecutive clean sheets in all competitions. He will definitely start on Thursday.
Arsenal Possible Lineup (4-3-3)
Turner; Tomiyasu, Gabriel, Kiwior, Tierney; Jorginho, Xhaka; Vieira, Rowe, Martinelli; Nelson.
Obviously, Mikel Arteta is expected to change his entire starting XI at José Alvalade Stadium.
Most of the players need rest after playing back-to-back in the Premier League. The likes of Bukayo Saka and others.
Sporting CP vs Arsenal Predictions
The Green and Whites are usually unstoppable at home. They won 2-0 over Tottenham at their stadium.
As a result, they are most likely to battle for one point on Thursday. Rúben Amorim will definitely go for the 3 points.
Of course, Arsenal haven’t been impressive in their away games this campaign. Therefore, they are unlikely to win.
With that being said, the Sporting CP vs Arsenal predictions may end in a draw. Since Mikel Arteta may rest his starting XI.
Sporting CP may take it as an advantage to hurt the Gunners. Speaking of European experience, the visitor may claim one point.
Arsenal lost 2-0 in their away UEL group-stage match to PSV. So winning over the Green and Whites seemed probable on Thursday.
Sporting CP 2-2 Arsenal
Kick-off Time
Sporting CP versus Arsenal will kick-off at 18:45 BST on Wednesday. The UEFA Europa League game will take place at José Alvalade Stadium.