Arsenal host Sporting in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 second leg at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday.
The two teams drew 2-2 in the first leg in Lisbon, which means the winner of this duel will advance to the next round. Goncalo Inacio and Paulinho scored for Sporting, while William Saliba’s first-half header and Hidemasa Morita’s own goal gave Arsenal two crucial first-leg goals.
Interestingly, both teams recorded 3-0 wins in their league matches on Sunday. Sporting beat Boavista at home in the Primeira Liga, while Arsenal moved on quickly against Fulham in their away game. Gabriel Magalhães, Martin Ødegaard and Gabriel Martinelli were among the top scorers in the first half when Leandro Trossard netted a hat-trick.
Head to head Arsenal vs Sporting and key figures
The two teams have met five times so far, including three in the Europa League. Arsenal are unbeaten against the visitors, winning two and drawing the remaining three games. Sporting scored for the first time against Arsenal in the first leg.
Three of the five duels between the two teams have produced less than 2.5 goals, achieved identical results in the last six games in all competitions, registered five wins and one draw during this period. Arsenal had a perfect record at home in the Europa League group stage, scoring five goals and keeping clean sheets in all three games. Arsenal have suffered only one defeat in seven home matches against Portuguese sides.
Sporting have won just two of their 14 away games against English sides in European competition. Sporting have won their last five away games and have kept three clean sheets during that time. Arsenal have won their last two games and scored seven goals during this period. Arsenal vs Sporting Prediction
The Gunners fielded a second team in the first leg. They weren’t at their best in this game and only managed to fire an own goal in the second half.
As this game is about qualifying for the next round, we expect coach Mikel Arteta to choose his first-team players. They have only lost a few home games in all competitions and should be able to put in a strong performance.
Leões have won their last six away games and suffered just one defeat on their away trips in 2023. He found the goal for the first time against Arsenal in the first leg and will be looking to maintain that form.
However, Arsenal have a 100% home record in the Europa League this season and should be able to pull off a narrow win.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Sporting
Arsenal vs sports betting tips
Tip 1: Result – Arsenal
Tip 2: Goals – Over/Under 2.5 Goals – Over 2.5
Tip 3: Score at least one goal in the second half – Yes
Tip 4: Gabriel Martinelli can score or assist at any time – Yes