Having given it their all and then some against Liverpool on Saturday (and then seen a tired and weary Liverpool lose in the Champions League), Arsenal face Sporting at home in the Europa League where a number of changes are expected. Emery's men faced Sporting in their own back yard only a few weeks ago and managed to grab a 1-0 win and three important points. More importantly though, Emery got a good look at Sporting, learnt what they're about and what they bring which should mean a more comfortable night at home in London.
Arsenal
Form: W W W D W D
League Position: 5th
Goals Scored: 27
Goals Conceded: 15
Sporting
Form: L W L W L W
League Position: 3rd
Goals Scored: 25
Goals Conceded: 15
Since that night two weeks ago, Arsenal's winning run has stuttered somewhat and has since become a thirteen game unbeaten streak. That being said, little has changed in the cups, and Unai Emery will be more than confident of getting all three points again. Fortunately, Sporting's recent form has been somewhat patchy, having won two and lost one since last facing the Gunners. However, having gone unbeaten at home for so long then losing this run against Arsenal, the Portuguese will be looking for revenge at the Emirates.
There's a number of players that are expected to come back into the starting XI for this one, with cup and fringe players likely to play. Bernd Leno played well again on Saturday against Liverpool but having heard manager Emery talk about his goalkeepers upon Cech's return in late October, it is expected that Cech himself will start bewteen the sticks in this one. In defence, Stephan Lichtsteiner is the likely right full back whilst Sead Kolasinac returned to action at the weekend so is likely to be called on to start at left back once again. Sokratis will come back into the back four for one of Mustafi or Holding with the other to keep their starting place. Both are in decent form but equally with games coming thick and fast, both could benefit from a break as well.
In midfield and attack, changes are also expected. The likes of Matteo Guendouzi and Ainsley Maitland-Niles could start in central midfield areas with a trio of Aaron Ramsey, Alex Iwobi and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in front. Danny Welbeck is likely to lead the line up the middle again. Young Emile Smith-Rowe will also be pushing for start after his impressive performance and goal last time out. He's developing well and will want to keep momentum going. The likes of Eddie Nketiah and Carl Jenkinson will also be looking for minutes in this one, with Emery's Premier League squad looking quite hard infiltrate right now. Nacho Monreal and captain Laurent Koscielny have both stepped up their training ahead of returning from injury. Both are joining in with first team training but still don't seem to be quite there just yet. So expect both to miss out once again.
The visitors come with names like Nani, Dost and Mathieu among their ranks boasting Champions League winner medals as well as a European Championship medal. They lead this young Lisbon team who, in Portugal, are certainly a force to be reckoned with. Arsenal know that winning 1-0 back in Portugal two weeks ago means nothing. It will be a tough game and one that needs the utmost attention. Another win and Arsenal will have almost two legs in the next round, and pretty much one leg into claiming top spot in the group. A professional performance will take Arsenal past Sporting comfortably and should gives the likes Nketiah and Smith-Rowe the opportunity for more valuable pitch time.
Expected lineup:
GK: Petr Cech
RB: Stephan Lichtsteiner
CB: Rob Holding
CB: Sokratis
LB: Sead Kolasinac
CM: Matteo Guendouzi
CM: Ainsley Maitland-Niles
RW: Alex Iwobi
CAM: Aaron Ramsey
RW: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
ST: Danny Welbeck
Prediction: 4-0 to the Gunners on a comfortable night at home. Welbeck, Ramsey and Aubameyang on the score sheet.
@craigbennett10
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