Arsenal host Sporting in the second leg of their 2025/26 UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.
The Gunners are 1-0 up in the tie, though they needed all 90 minutes of last week’s first leg to break the deadlock, which came courtesy of Kai Havertz.
Manager Mikel Arteta’s side reached the knockout stages following a league phase that saw them win all eight of their matches, but after a 1-1 draw away to Bayer Leverkusen, Arsenal lost their flawless record.
Arsenal will welcome a return to European action, as their domestic form is cause for concern.
A sense of inevitability looms over the Emirates Stadium after their Premier League loss to Bournemouth saw them forfeit ground in the title race.
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.
They will need to be in similar form if they are to leave North London with a place in the semi-final of the tournament.
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What are the best bets for Arsenal vs Sporting?
Arsenal to win
As funny as it would be to see Arsenal’s quadruple bid continue to look like more of a joke, I cannot see them losing this match.
They have more quality than the visitors and have a realistic chance at making the final of this competition.
Arsenal to win is the obvious play, but sometimes, obvious is the best way to go.
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Under 2.5 goals
It won’t be an easy victory, however, so I am backing under 2.5 goals in this match, as I expect Sporting to put in a resolute showing.
Where can I watch Arsenal vs Sporting?
Paramount+ and ViX are showing this match live in the United States. Kick-off is at 15:00 EST on Wednesday, April 18.
TNT Sports is the place to see this match live in the United Kingdom. Kick-off is at 20:00 BST.
What is Arsenal’s current form?
W-L-L-W-L
What is Sporting’s current form?
W-W-W-L-W
What were the results of the head-to-head matches between Arsenal and Sporting?
07/04/26 – Sporting 0-1 Arsenal (Champions League – QF: 1st leg)
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)
What is Arsenal’s predicted team?
Raya – White, Gabriel, Saliba, Hincapie – Rice, Zubimendi, Eze – Madueke, Gyokeres, Trossard
Injured: Merino
Doubt: Calafiori, Odegaard, Saka, Timber,
What is Sporting’s predicted team?
Silva – Fresneda, Diomande, Inacio, Araujo – Hjulmand, Morita – Catamo, Trincao, Pote – Suarez
Injured: Santos
Doubt: Ioannidis, Guilherme
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