Sporting CP travel to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal tonight, chasing an unprecedented spot in the semi-finals.
Rui Borges’ men must overturn a 1–0 deficit against the Premier League leaders. No Portuguese side has won a Champions League quarter-final in the last 22 years. Furthermore, Sporting have not won a match on English soil since March 2005. Despite these statistics, the Lions remain confident after keeping pace in their domestic title race.
The visitors demonstrated their resilience in the previous round against Bodø/Glimt. They recovered from three goals down to progress to this stage of the competition. Sporting also famously defeated Arsenal on penalties in North London three years ago. Borges has called for courage and identity from his players in this monumental task.
Sporting CP team news
Sporting receive a significant boost with the return of an influential midfield leader. Morten Hjulmand is back in the XI after serving a suspension during the first leg. Specifically, his presence provides the defensive stability needed to contain Arsenal’s creative threats. Luis Suárez is also available despite previous confusion over a potential disciplinary ban.
Suárez has netted 33 goals this term and remains the club’s primary goalscoring threat. He will be supported by Francisco Trincão, who has seven goal involvements this term. Nuno Santos is definitely ruled out with a nagging hamstring injury. Luís Guilherme and Fotis Ioannidis also miss the trip due to ankle and ligament problems.
Rui Silva will start in goal as he seeks to keep a vital clean sheet. The defence will likely feature Gonçalo Inácio and Ousmane Diomande at the centre. Notably, Sporting have failed to win their last ten away matches against English opposition. They must score at least once tonight to have any hope of progressing further.
Sporting CP predicted lineup
Sporting CP Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Silva; Vagiannidis, Diomande, Inácio, Araújo; Bragança, Hjulmand; Catamo, Trincão, Gonçalves; Suárez
When will the match kick off?
The quarter-final second leg at the Emirates kicks off tonight at 20:00 BST.
How to watch Arsenal vs Sporting CP?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1. Coverage begins at 18:30 BST.
Emirates Stadium.
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