Premier League leaders Arsenal have a tough assignment in Portugal ahead of them in Europa League action on Thursday.
Mikel Arteta’s men head to the Estadio Jose Alvalade for the first leg Round of 16 tie against the 19-time domestic champions, who have saved some of their best displays this term for European nights.
Sporting have a number of familiar faces in their ranks, all looking to get one over the Gunners.
Former star defender Hector Bellerin, who will get the opportunity to return to Emirates Stadium next week having departed last summer for Barcelona. The right-back is currently on loan in Portugal from the Catalan giants, whom he made just seven appearances for before switching on deadline day.
Former Tottenham youngster Marcus Edwards netted against Spurs in the Champions League earlier this campaign, one of 10 goals to his name this season. The winger also scored against us back in 2019 in the Europa League for Vitoria, in a game we went on to win 3-2.
Captain and former Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates has made over 250 appearances for the Lions and was a member of Uruguay’s 2022 World Cup squad.
Sporting are on a run of five games unbeaten and they’ve already overcome a North London side in the shape of Tottenham this season (2-0) on matchday two of the Champions League, and they’ve only tasted defeat in one of their three home UEL games against English opposition (W2).
Sporting manager Rúben Amorim has labelled this Arsenal side as “out of this world” in the build-up.
Arsenal left it until stoppage time on Saturday to seal a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down to beat Bournemouth 3-2 to keep their five-point lead at the top of the league.
Reiss Nelson grabbed a goal and assist in his first appearance of 2023 for Arsenal on Saturday. And he might be hungry for more.