ARSENAL travel to the Estadio Jose Alvalade for their Europa League Round of 16 first-leg clash with Sporting Lisbon.
Sporting Lisbon vs Arsenal odds
Below are the latest match odds for Thursday's Sporting Lisbon vs Arsenal Europa League tie.
Sporting Lisbon vs Arsenal predictions
It would take a brave person to back against Arsenal right now.
The Gunners are still on cloud nine after their heroic comeback against Bournemouth over the weekend, which keeps them well on course for the Premier League title.
Mikel Arteta's side are five-point clear of Manchester City and look to have virtually wrapped up Champions League qualification at the very least.
Though clearly not a top priority, Arsenal have largely fielded strong XI's in this competition and Arteta is unlikely to shake things up too much with a European title at stake.
But it's not going to be a walkover.
Sporting are enjoying a four-match winning run, which included a 4-0 thrashing of Midtjylland in the playoff stages.
They have, however, lost five of their last nine European home matches and should struggle against this high-level opposition.
Best bookies to bet on Sporting Lisbon vs Arsenal
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Previous Form: Sporting Lisbon and Arsenal
Sporting Lisbon – WWWWD
- Portimonense 0-1 Sporting – Liga Portugal – March 4
- Sporting 2-0 Estoril – Liga Portugal – February 27
- Midtjylland 0-4 Sporting – Europa League – February 23
- Chaves 2-3 Sporting – Liga Portugal – February 20
- Sporting 1-1 Midtjylland – Europa League – February 16
Arsenal – WWWWL
- Arsenal 3-2 Bournemouth – Premier League – March 4
- Arsenal 4-0 Everton – Premier League – March 1
- Leicester 0-1 Arsenal – Premier League – February 25
- Aston Villa 2-4 Arsenal – Premier League – February 18
- Arsenal 1-3 Manchester City – Premier League – February 15
Sporting Lisbon vs Arsenal betting tips
The Portuguese side will be acutely aware that a strong first-leg showing will be required if they are to progress in the competition.
Arsenal to win – 6/5 bet365
Arsenal has proven they are a force to be reckoned with time and time again this season.
They overcame a sticky spell when losing a four-match winless run by winning four successive fixtures and scoring 12 goals in the process.
Mikel Arteta will no doubt makes some changes, but there's strength in depth at Arsenal with Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe now back from injury.
The pair and some fringe players will be desperate to prove their credentials and work their way into the regular starting XI.
The Estadio Jose Alvalade has been somewhat of a fortress for Sporting in the league having taken 27 points from a possible 33.
However, they have won only four of their nine European clashes on home turf against elite opposition.
Manuel Ugarte to be booked – 9/4 bet365
Death, taxes, and Manuel Ugarte to be booked.
The Uruguayan, 21, has an appetite for destruction and will no doubt be looking to make his presence known against Arsenal on Thursday.
The Gunners' lightning-quick side should cause more than a few problems for the central midfielder, who's received nine yellow cards in 21 appearances this season.
In fact, Ugarte has been cautioned in six of his last 11 outings, including the club's last European clash against Midtjylland.
Bukayo Saka 2+ shots on target – 10/3 bet365
No Premier League midfielder has had more efforts on target than Bukayo Saka in the last month.
The England international has managed 23 attempts on goal with seven of those on target, averaging an effort every 23 minutes.
Saka, 21, has also had the most touches in the penalty area of any top-flight midfielder in the club's last four matches and looks set for another big night.
The onus will be for Sporting Lisbon to attack given they have home advantage, and that could see the pacey Saka capitalize on a high line.
How to watch Sporting Lisbon vs Arsenal
- Location: Estadio Jose Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Date and time: Thursday 9 March 2023, 5.45pm.
- How to watch: BT Sport 2.
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