Arsenal will face Sporting on Wednesday as they strive to advance to the Champions League semi-finals for the second consecutive season.
Mikel Arteta’s team holds a one-goal lead after their first leg in Lisbon, where goalkeeper David Raya delivered a string of remarkable saves, paving the way for Kai Havertz’s late goal that secured a 1-0 victory.
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Havertz’s goal has bolstered Arsenal’s chances of reaching the final four, now estimated at 91.6% according to the Opta Supercomputer.
However, recent performances may dampen some supporters’ confidence. Their defeat to Bournemouth marked their third loss in four matches across all competitions, a result Arteta described as “a big punch to the face” and “a painful day.”
Arsenal cannot afford any more setbacks in the Champions League after being disappointed in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
The Gunners have won 17 of their last 18 two-legged European ties after securing a victory in the first leg away from home.
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However, the last time Arsenal hosted Sporting at the Emirates Stadium, it was the Portuguese side that triumphed, defeating Arsenal in a penalty shootout during the Europa League’s last 16 in March 2023.
Sporting will welcome back captain Morten Hjulmand, who was suspended for the first leg, although Luis Guilherme and Fotis Ioannidis will remain unavailable.
For Arsenal, Mikel Merino is ruled out, while Riccardo Calafiori, Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, and Jurrien Timber are uncertain to play.
With a crucial Premier League clash against title contenders Manchester City on the horizon, the Gunners must halt their downward trend, starting with a win that secures a place in the Champions League semi-finals.
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Did you know?
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Arsenal’s only defeat in their last 23 European home matches occurred against Paris St-Germain in last season’s Champions League semi-final (0-1).
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Mikel Arteta’s squad has kept a clean sheet in 16 of their last 22 European matches at the Emirates Stadium, conceding only nine goals in total.