Arsenal are set to travel to Jose Alvalade Stadium to face Sporting CP in the Champions League quarter-final first leg tonight.
The Gunners qualified for the knockout stage of this competition after finishing at the top of the table in the league phase, winning all eight matches.
They even overcame Bayer Leverkusen’s challenge comfortably in the last-16. However, the North London club have lost their last two games: the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City and the FA Cup quarter-final against Southampton.
On the other hand, Sporting have reached the quarter-final of Europe’s elite club competition after defeating Bodo/Glimt 5-3 on aggregate in the last-16. The Lions lost the away leg 3-0 before winning the second leg at home 5-0.
Team news
Piero Hincapié, Eberechi Eze, and Mikel Merino remain sidelined due to fitness issues. Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber are also unavailable owing to injuries and haven’t travelled with the squad.
Gabriel Magalhaes sustained a knock vs Southampton; thankfully, he is ready to be involved tonight. Moreover, Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard are also in contention to feature.
Predicted line-up
David Raya is set to return to goal, while William Saliba and Gabriel would be the centre-back partnership for Arsenal. Amid Timber’s absence, Ben White should continue as the right-back despite displaying a poor performance last time out.
On the other hand, Riccardo Calafiori should be the left-back. In that case, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cristhian Mosquera, and Myles Lewis-Skelly would have to make do with a place on the bench.
Martin Zubimendi and Rice are expected to be the midfield pairing for the visitors, while Martin Odegaard could be the creative midfielder. So, Christian Norgaard would be among the substitutes after starting last weekend.
Amid Saka’s absence, Noni Madueke might be on the right flank, and Leandro Trossard should be on the opposite side ahead of Gabriel Martinelli. So, Max Dowman should be on the bench.
Viktor Gyokeres is likely to lead the line for the North London club; therefore, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus may feature off the bench if needed.
Expected Arsenal line-up vs Sporting
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Madueke, Gyokeres, Trossard