Arsenal vs Sporting Lisbon 09/11/18

09 November 2018

After a narrow 1-0 win in the first leg, Arsenal will host Sporting Lisbon at the Emirates Stadium, looking to cement their place in the round of 16.

With a record of three victories, the Gunners currently top the Europa League Group E, with a +6 goal difference and a 3-point lead over their forthcoming opponents. In addition to the aforementioned triumph, the Premier League giants have outplayed Vorskla Poltava and Qarabag, having notched seven while allowing two goals in the process. Moreover, Unai Emery hopes to see his side extending an outstanding 14-game lossless streak across all competitions. Before a 1-1 draw with Liverpool last weekend, the London-based outfit registered seven successive wins in front of the home supporters.

On the other hand, the Lions are looking to bounce back from a narrow defeat a fortnight ago, as they have a chance to virtually secure their place among the 16 best teams in Europa League if they can get a positive outcome at Emirates. The Green and Whites have defeated both, Qarabag and Vorskla, having notched two goals apiece in those triumphs, while allowing just one in the process. Additionally, the Portuguese side have clinched two consecutive league wins, while losing to Estoril in Cup, with Marcel Keizer urging his players to show more consistency, especially when it comes to their defensive performance. Sporting have failed to keep a clean sheet in five out of the previous six matches across all competitions, having allowed nine goals during that period.

Provisional line-up – Arsenal:

Gk: Cech Defense: Mustafi – Pleguezuelo – Lichtsteiner – Kolasinac Midfield: Guendouzi – Torreira – Smith Rowe Attack: Mkhitaryan – Iwobi – Welbeck

Provisional line-up – Sporting Lisbon:

Gk: Renan Ribeiro Defense: Coates – Mathieu – Gaspar – Acuna Midfield: Battaglia – Gudelj – Bruno Fernandes Attack: Fredy Montero – Nani – Dost