Arsenal are well placed in the Europa League right now as they have racked up the full nine points in the three games they have played so far. The Gunners have been in stupendous form off late, and they should be confident of another win when they take on their Portuguese rivals Sporting Lisbon at the Emirates.
In the previous leg, the Portuguese outfit put up a big fight, and it was a late Danny Welbeck’s goal which ensured three points for Emery’s side, but we expect the North London side to be more dominant at home. The Arsenal faithful would hope that their team can continue their unbeaten run further after drawing against Liverpool at the weekend.
Team News
Laurent Koscielny continues to be a significant miss at the back. Mohamed Elneny is also yet to recover from his hamstring injury. Nacho Monreal is also a major doubt for this clash, and we don’t see the Spaniard recovering in time for this clash.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs Sporting Lisbon
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Bernd Leno has taken up the mantle of the no.1 goalkeeper in the Premier League, so we expect Petr Cech to be given a go in the Cup tie. The veteran custodian should start in goal. Rob Holding did a fine job against Liverpool, but Emery can go for an experienced player like Sokratis Papastathopoulos for this tie. The Greek defender is likely going to be partnered by Shkodran Mustafi who has picked his game up slightly this season.
Hector Bellerin played the demanding weekend’s game against Liverpool, and we believe when an option like Stephan Lichtsteiner is available then the manager should make use of it. He should start as the right back. Saed Kolasinac has done well after coming back from an injury, and he should keep his place in the starting eleven in the left back role.
Midfield
Lucas Torreira and Granit Xhaka could be rested for this tie, and we believe Mattéo Guendouzi should be given a start in midfield along with the more attacking Aaron Ramsey. The Welshman is set to leave the club in the future, but Emery should still make use of him as he can still be a top player to have in the starting eleven.
The attacking outlet from the midfield should be provided by the likes of Danny Welbeck who should start from the right, Henrik Mkhitaryan who is expected to begin in the no.10 role and Alex Iwobi down the left. Iwobi impressed in the little cameo against Liverpool, and this is the kind of game where the Nigerian needs to put in a big performance to put pressure on the manager to include him in the Premier League games week in and week out.
Attack
Pierre Emerick Aubameyang was surprisingly taken off early against Liverpool when the Londoners were chasing the game, and we feel that was done keeping in mind the midweek clash. The Gabonese should lead the line in this game.
