Press release has been talking about Sporting Lisbon vs Arsenal Predictions: They gave several reasons why Sporting will struggle to beat the Gunners.
Arsenal return to Europe after a four-month break and it will be interesting to see how manager Mikel Arteta approaches the Europa League.
Bottom of this competition, the Gunners secured a 1-0 win against FC Zurich to secure top spot in Group A as they rested star men for a Premier League campaign that has been encouraging but not yet feverish.
MATCH FACTS
-Sporting battled with top teams in Portugal and claimed one win in six in Europe
– Arsenal are confident and have won their last four matches and five of six in the group stage
Arsenal return to Europe
By November, Arsenal were top of the table, but with just 12 games to go and many tough tests to face, even the most optimistic of fans could hardly have dreamed.
With the lead extended to five points and just 12 games left to play, that’s no longer the case. Arsenal fans are starting to believe it, and while Arteta may see continental competition as a distraction to the main goal of Premier League glory, the momentum and form of his impressive young squad could also take them deep into Europe.
Team news
Sporting Lisbon will be without midfielder Daniel Braganca, who is yet to return from a cruciate ligament injury sustained in May, and defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who is serving a suspension.
Arteta could face a problem in his striker with striker Gabriel Jesus not expected until later this month, new signing Leandro Trossard who picked up a groin injury this weekend and Eddie Nketiah a slight dubious with an ankle problem .
Midfielder Mohamed Elneny will miss most of the season following knee surgery.
We say: Sporting Lisbon 1-2 Arsenal
With Sporting being forced to bring in at least one inexperienced midfielder to cover for stalwart Ugarte, Arsenal would no doubt take advantage in normal circumstances, but a wealth of attacking injuries does not bode that well for Arteta’s side.
what’s your prediction? Do you think Arsenal will have it easy when they play away from home?
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