Arsenal resume their 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign with a trip to Portugal as they take on Sporting CP on Tuesday night.
The Gunners reached the knockout stages following a league phase that saw them win all eight of their matches.
Manager Mikel Arteta’s side needed both legs of their round of 16 tie to defeat Bayer Leverkusen after a 1-1 draw in Germany saw Arsenal lose their flawless record.
They will travel to Lisbon off the back of two domestic cup defeats, either side of the international break, the first coming against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final and the latter against Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Arsenal’s quadruple bid is no longer on the table, though they remain top of the Premier League table and are looking to reach their first Champions League semi-final since 2009.
Sporting, meanwhile, overcame Bodo Glimt in a dramatic round of 16 tie that saw the Portuguese side overturn a three-goal deficit.
Tuesday’s hosts were 3-0 down going into the second leg, but won their home match 5-0 to qualify for this stage of the tournament.
What are the best bets for Sporting vs Arsenal?
Match to end in a draw and Luis Suarez to score
There is no doubt that Arsenal have more quality, but they have shown vulnerability in recent matches.
Sporting are flying at home too, having won all but one of their matches since late October, so I expect a competitive game.
Arsenal needed both ties to defeat Bayer Leverkusen, and I expect a similar clash to unfold in this tie.
My tentative selection is to back the draw and for both teams to find the net.
If you insist on picking a scorer, then look no further than Luis Suarez – no, not that bitey one in Miami – as he has netted five Champions League goals for Sporting this season.
FIND OUR LATEST ARSENAL BETTING TIPS RIGHT HERE
Where can I watch Sporting vs Arsenal?
Paramount+ and ViX are showing this match live in the United States. Kick-off is at 15:00 EST on Tuesday, April 7.
Amazon Prime Video is the place to see this match live in the United Kingdom. Kick-off is at 20:00 BST.
What is Sporting’s current form?
D-L-W-W-W
What is Arsenal’s current form?
D-W-W-L-L
What were the results of the head-to-head matches between Sporting and Arsenal?
26/11/24 – Sporting 1-5 Arsenal (Champions League – League Phase)
16/03/23 – Arsenal 1-1 (3-5 pens) Sporting (Europa League – L16: 2nd leg)
09/03/23 – Sporting 2-2 Arsenal (Europa League – L16: 1st leg)
08/11/18 – Arsenal 0-0 Sporting (Europa League – Group Stage)
25/10/18 – Sporting 0-1 Arsenal (Europa League – Group Stage)
What is Sporting’s predicted team?
Silva – Fresneda, Diomande, Inacio, Araujo – Debast, Morita – Catamo, Trincao, Pote – Suarez
Injured: Santos, Ioannidis
Doubt: Quenda, Guilherme
Suspended: Hjulmand
What is Arsenal’s predicted team?
Raya – White, Gabriel, Saliba, Calafiori – Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard – Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli
Injured: Saka, Hincapie, Timber, Merino
Doubt: None
READ NEXT: Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich picks, predictions and how to watch
18+ Please play responsibly. This content is informational, not financial advice.
