Arsenal vs Sporting Cp: Gunners puts aside Premier league title to fight for Europa league last 8-spot

Fans had been looking foward to Arsenal vs Sporting. it is expected that the Gunners are to put aside their Premier League title fight while eyeing Europa League round of 16

ARSENAL have been in superb form this season – but Sporting will be determined to thwart their plans in the Europa League Round of 16 second leg.

Three first-half goals from Gabriel, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard ensured the Gunners blew up Fulham at the weekend.
Arsenal crushed Fulham on SundayCredit: Alamy

It meant Mikel Arteta’s men became the first team in Football League history to win five consecutive away derbies in London without conceding a goal.

However, the north London side must now put their Premier League title ambitions on hold to overcome the setback in the Europa League first leg against Portuguese giants Sporting.

And with Arsenal having only lost twice at home all season, they are certainly the favorites to reach the quarter-finals.

When is Arsenal vs Sporting played?
Arsenal’s Europa League second leg against Sporting will be played on Thursday 16 March.Scheduled to start at 20:00 UK time.

The Emirates Stadium in north London is the designated arena for this match and can hold around 60,000 fans.
The Gunners were held to a 2-2 draw as the sides met in reverse play.

What TV channel is it broadcast on and can it be streamed live?
Arsenal vs Sporting will be broadcast LIVE on BT Sport 2 in the UK.
The broadcast is expected to start at 7.15pm UK time, 45 minutes before kick-off.
BT Sport subscription members can stream all the action live via the BT Sport website or app.
Alternatively, SunSport will provide minute-by-minute coverage of the entire match, including set-up and reaction.

What’s new in the team?

Mikel Arteta will be pleased to be nearly full with only Eddie Nketiah and Mohamed Elneny unavailable for the Sporting clash.
Furthermore, the Arsenal manager may be tempted to give Gabriel Jesus his first start since November following his 11-minute cameo against Fulham.

Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim will be sweating over the fitness of Antonio Adan and former Gunners full-back Hector Bellerin who need assessments ahead of the huge Europa League match.

The must read in the Europa League

Captain Sebastian Coates and Hidemasa Morita are also excluded through disqualification. However, Daniel Braganca could return to the group as the midfielder has returned to training at full capacity.

What are the odds?
Arsenal win 4/11

Draw 15/4

Sporting CP 15/2

Qualify

Arsenal 2/13

Sporting CP 4/1