Arsenal host Sporting Lisbon in their second-leg round-of-16 Europa League tie later today as both teams look to move further into the competition having played out a 2-2 draw in their first-leg encounter. Proven to be an opportunity to clinch European silverware this season, Mikel Arteta’s side will look to make the best of their home advantage whilst the visitors will be confident in causing an upset, having shown to be a force to be reckoned with under Ruben Amorim’s management.
Expected to field a full-strength starting line-up, Arteta will be keen on securing a victory despite prioritising the league moving further into the season. With the Gunners having been amongst the most consistent sides across Europe, the hosts emerge amongst the favourites for the Europa League but will be needing to deliver a notable performance if they are to defeat Sporting at the Emirates Stadium later today.
On the other hand, unbeaten in seven games across all competitions heading into the fixtures, Amorim’s side will be confident in delivering a compelling display against Arsenal. Having secured an impressive draw against the Gunner on home soil, Sporting are expected to test the Premier League side’s resolve, with the team aiming to move further into the competition.
When & Where?
Venue: Emirates Stadium.
Date: Thursday, 16th February 2023.
Time: 20:00 GMT.
Match Officials
Referee: Antonio Mateu Lahoz.
Assistant Referees: Pau Cebrian Devis, Roberto del Palomar.
Fourth Official: Ricardo de Burgos.
VAR Official: Massimiliano Irrati.
Team News
Arsenal
Eddie Nketiah and Mohamed Elneny remain out of contention due to injuries although the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard are expected to feature in some capacity having made swifts recoveries moving into a busy period of fixtures. Likely to make a number of changes to the starting line-up, Arteta is expected to recall the likes of Fabio Vieira, Kieran Tierney, and Jorginho, amongst others, but will be keen on securing a victory despite the changes later today.
Sporting Lisbon
Hidemasa Morita and Sebastian Coates remain out of contention for the tie due to suspensions although Manuel Ugarte return from suspension is likely to see him replace Morita in midfield against Arsenal. Former Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin misses out due to injury alongside Daniel Braganca, however, starting goalkeeper Antonio Adan is likely to make the starting line-up after shaking off the injury that kept him out of the league game against Boavista last weekend.
Match Analysis
With both teams expected to remain competitive in their approach later today, Thursday’s clash is likely to provide for a savouring battle at the Emirates. With both sides entering the game on the back of an impressive tally of results, the hosts will be keen on continuing to build on their momentum whilst the visitors will look to do the same in a bid to establish themselves as contenders for the trophy moving forward.
Expected to emphasize retaining possession, Arsenal will look to remain dominant in their approach later today. With the team likely to prioritise making the best of their opportunities, the Gunners will look to seek advantages through utilising space across the attacking third alongside remaining solid in executing their defensive duties later today.
On the other hand, expected to prioritise a boisterous start to the game, Sporting will be looking for an early breakthrough against Arsenal. With the visitors likely to look for opportunities to retain control in parts during the game alongside being efficient in their transitions, the hosts will be wary of their strengths later today. Moreover, expected to remain competitive in their application throughout the ninety minutes, Sporting will look to pin the pressure back on the Gunners for most part of the game at the Emirates.
Key Players
Leandro Trossard – Arsenal
Having bagged a hat-trick of assists last weekend, Trossard will be keen on building on his confidence later today. Expected to play a key role in Arsenal’s movement and gameplay across the attacking third, the midfielder will look to make the best of his opportunity against Sporting.
Paulinho – Sporting Lisbon
Having scored in each of Sporting’s last three fixtures across all competitions, the forward will be keen on finding the back of the net later today. Capable of holding the ball in key attacking areas alongside serving as a false attacker, the Portuguese striker will look to have a notable impact on proceedings against Arsenal.
Predicted Line-Ups
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Sporting Lisbon: Matt Turner; Takehiro Tomiyasu, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Kieran Tierney; Jorginho, Thomas Partey, Fabio Vieira; Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard.
Sporting Lisbon predicted lineup vs Arsenal: Antonio Adan; Jeremiah St. Juste, Goncalo Inacio, Matheus Reis; Ricardo Esgaio, Manuel Ugarte, Pedro Goncalves, Nuno Santos; Marcus Edwards, Paulinho, Francisco Trincao.