Arsenal host Sporting CP tonight, aiming to clinch a place in the Champions League semi-finals.
The Gunners hold a slender 1–0 aggregate lead after a resilient display in Lisbon last week. Mikel Arteta’s side has won ten of their 11 European matches this term. However, a shock weekend defeat to Bournemouth has placed immense pressure on the squad. Victory tonight would provide a vital psychological boost before facing Manchester City on Sunday.
Arsenal have progressed from 19 of their last 20 European knockout ties after winning the first leg. They remain unbeaten in their last six competitive meetings with Sporting CP. Furthermore, the North Londoners have lost only once at home in Europe in recent years. Arteta will demand a clinical performance to avoid any unnecessary tension at the Emirates.
Arsenal team news
Mikel Arteta manages a significant injury crisis as several influential stars face late tests. Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are both major doubts with muscle and physical issues. Martin Ødegaard is also touch and go after limping off during the first leg. Accordingly, the medical department is working overtime to ensure their availability for tonight.
Riccardo Calafiori and Jurriën Timber are also facing fitness assessments before the team sheet is finalised. Specifically, Mikel Merino remains the only guaranteed absentee with a broken foot. Martin Zubimendi looked physically exhausted during the loss to Bournemouth on Saturday. As a result, Christian Nørgaard could start at the base of the midfield engine room.
Eberechi Eze and Piero Hincapié are back and available for selection today. Leandro Trossard is also pushing for a recall after starting on the bench in Portugal. Kai Havertz remains the man in form with goals in six of his last eight appearances. He will support Viktor Gyökeres, who faces his former club for the second time.
Arsenal predicted lineup
Arsenal Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapié; Nørgaard, Rice; Madueke, Eze, Trossard; Gyökeres
When will the match kick off?
The Champions League quarter-final second leg begins 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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