Arsenal vs Sporting CP LIVE
Arsenal sealed progression into the Champions League semi-finals after a goalless draw with Sporting CP to keep their double dreams alive. Kai Havertz ultimately turned out to be the hero as his stoppage time goal in the first leg proved to be enough as the Gunners won the quarter-final tie 1-0 on aggregate.
They will face Atletico Madrid next after Diego Simeone’s side held off Barcelona in the all-Spanish showdown on Tuesday night. Arsenal in Europe, remain, a different proposition and have remain the only unbeaten team in the competition, though have failed to win at home for the first time in the competition this season. Attentions now shift to Sunday’s huge Premier League title decider away at Manchester City.
In tonight’s other quarter-final, Bayern Munich edged a seven-goal thriller against Real Madrid to progress and will now face holders Paris Saint-Germain - who beat Liverpool - in a mouth-watering semi-final showdown later this month. Follow the game back below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Matt Verri at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal vs Sporting CP highlights
- POST! Trossard denied late goal
FULL-TIME
21:52 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
Gunners into Champions League semi-finals.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
21:52 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90+4 min: Nail baiting stuff as Sporting go close to a goal but Simoes strikes into the side-netting.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
21:51 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90+3 min: Late chance for Sporting as they win a free-kick. Up goes everyone but Raya comes and takes. He sets Trossard away but he can’t keep the ball.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
21:48 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90 min: Into FOUR minutes of stoppage time. Arsenal are nearly there.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
21:46 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne88 min: Arsenal have done a much better job this half at winning their aerial duels. Jesus the latest example of this and it allows the Gunners to manage the game in Sporting’s half.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
21:43 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne85 min: Jesus nearly rolls back the years with a classic turn but shoots into the side-netting.
Another Sporting double change as Quaresma and Trincao make way for Vagiannidis and Nel
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
21:41 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne84 min: POST! Trossard denied by the woodwork after heading Dowman’s deep corner at the back post.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
21:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne83 min: Time running out at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal are on course for the Champions League semi-finals.However, a goal from Sporting CP would change the picture.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
21:39 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneJesus on for Eze feels like a decision with the trip to City very much in mind. From the perspective of just this match, hard to see how that change helps Arsenal.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
21:38 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne80 min: Rice’s free-kick goes all the way through, Havertz tries to improvise with a back-heel but his shot is blocked. Arsenal just cranking up the pressure with ten minutes to play.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
21:37 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne79 min: Araujo is a bit too aggressive on Dowman and is shown a yellow card.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
21:36 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne77 min: Boos ring around the Emirates - directed at the referee. Don’t think he’s making too many friends tonight.
Double Arsenal change sees Eze and Martinelli make way for Jesus and Trossard.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
21:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne76 min: Another example of Havertz’s aerial prowess as he wins Rice’s corner at the back post to win a second corner in quick succession but Rui Silva gets enough on Dowman’s delivery before winning a free-kick.
Morita’s night is over, replaced by Simoes. Jesus ready to enter the fray for Arsenal.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
21:33 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne75 min: Havertz has made a difference just by winning a few aerial duels. It’s allowing Arsenal to sustain attacks and play in Sporting’s half.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
21:32 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne74 min: The last thing Arsenal need is sloppy passes to invite pressure. Mosquera clearly did not get the memo as he gifts Sporting CP possession with a really slack pass.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
21:31 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArteta is already on a yellow card and he now reacts to the latest decision but pulling his jumper over his face and sprinting away. All getting a bit edgy heading into the final 20 minutes.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
21:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne72 min: Arsenal go long, Havertz wins the header and the ball falls kindly for Eze who hits it on the volley but his effort is high and wide.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
21:28 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne70 min: Arteta is shown a yellow card as Sporting make a double change.
Pedro Goncalves and Catamo make way for Geovany Quenda and Braganca.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
21:26 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne69 min: Feels like this game is right on the cusp of opening up. Sporting need a goal and that could suit Arsenal. However, the Gunners haven’t looked like scoring themselves.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
21:24 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne66 min: Mosquera panics at the back post and pushes Araujo over in the box but the referee says no penalty and it’s been checked and cleared by VAR. Arsenal defender took a massive chance there.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
21:23 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThere have been two massive roars tonight. The first was when Martinelli tracked back superbly to stop a Sporting counter, and the second greets Dowman coming on to replace Madueke. What a stage for the 16-year-old.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
21:21 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne63 min: Morita flicks the corner on a the near post but gets too much on the header. However, Raya gifts Sporting possession back immediately from the restart.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
21:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne62 min: Arsenal not taking any risks with Madueke and he is replaced by Dowman.
Gunners still have a corner to defend...
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
21:18 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne60 min: Referee waves play on despite Madueke being taken out near the touchline by Goncalves. Sporting race up the pitch and win a corner while the Arsenal winger clutches his knee.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
21:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHavertz on up front, replacing Gyokeres. He hasn't been great in midfield recently, but this should suit Havertz much more. Eze will enjoy it too, having a striker far better suited to link up with him.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
21:14 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne57 min: Strong run by Madueke and he gets a break of the ball before shooting into the side-netting. Could he have left that to Martinelli in a better position?
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
21:14 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne56 min: Here comes the first Arsenal change as Havertz replaces Gyokeres.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
21:13 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne55 min: First Arsenal change is imminent as Havertz is stripped and ready before Martinelli lashes an effort over the bar after good wing play by Madueke on the right.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
21:09 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne51 min: Arsenal fans are getting behind the team tonight but still nothing for them to cheer as Rui Silva claims Rice’s corner with ease.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
21:07 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne49 min: Arsenal work a short free-kick back to Eze in a bit of space just outside the area, he shoots low and hard but his effort is wide and looked like Rui Silva had it covered.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
21:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne47 min: It’s a bright start to the half from Arsenal but Gyokeres makes a complete mess of a simple pass out to his right for Madueke.
At the other end, Araujo cuts back inside Mosquera and shoots wide. Warning for the Gunners.
KICK-OFF!
21:03 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBack underway in north London.
Arsenal vs Sporting highlights
21:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNot much in the way of chances so far, but Sporting CP were this close to levelling the aggregate score.
Fan reaction: Changes needed
20:57 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneI don’t have words for those 3 up front. #AFC
— Kenñson (@whoiskennson) April 15, 2026
Fan thoughts: Concerns
20:54 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneI can say for a fact this players are tired it is going to be a long end to the season #AFC
— Christian 🇬🇧🇳🇬 (@zayngooner) April 15, 2026
Arsenal reaction
20:52 , Tashan Deniran-AlleynePoor. Again. #AFC just looks a different side from what they were earlier. Pressure? Coaching tactics? Injuries? Combination of all 3? Fear of rejuvenated City post Carabao Cup beatdown? Whatever it is, it is not improving … #ARSSPO
— “Dave in Michigan” (@Horia_Neagos) April 15, 2026
HALF-TIME
20:47 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
20:47 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne45+1 min: Good feet from Eze to create space but he shoots over.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
20:46 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne45 min: Into ONE minute of stoppage time.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
20:44 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal very lucky not to fall behind on the night. Hincapie had to tuck in and it left Catamo free at the back post - hits his volley against the outside of the post. The Gunners could do with half-time.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
20:44 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne43 min: POST! Catamo strikes the outside of the post with the outside of his left foot. Closest either side has come to a goal tonight.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
20:41 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne40 min: Terrible pass from Raya, straight to Trincao but the Sporting CP midfielder’s pass to Suarez is equally as bad. Huge let off for Arsenal there.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
20:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne39 min: Positive run from Zubimendi down the left, but his cross is poor. Right into the hands of Rui Silva. In fairness, the Spaniard was under serious pressure.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
20:38 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne38 min: Arsenal fans rallying behind the team. As things stand, the Gunners are going through to the Champions League semi-finals.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
20:36 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne35 min: Martinelli gets to the byline and stands up a cross but none of his team-mates in the middle can get to the ball before a Sporting CP player and the chance is lost.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
20:33 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAraujo has threatened to get in behind down the left a couple of times for Sporting, just as he did a week ago. Mosquera doing a much better job of tracking the runs and dealing with them than White did in Lisbon.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
20:32 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne31 min: Decent chance for Sporting but Goncalves rushes his effort and fires high and wide.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
20:31 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne30 min: Another chance for Arsenal after some patient play, Zubimendi gets the ball across for Gyokeres who tries a dink over the keeper but his effort is blocked before the Gunners win a corner.
Rice’s delivery is a deep one to the back post, Zubimendi rises highest but doesn’t generate enough power on his header.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
20:28 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne27 min: Sporting work the ball well from right to left and end up winning a corner off Mosquera.
Goncalves comes over to take and after a bit of confusion, the ball is thumped clear by an Arsenal defender.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
20:26 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne25 min: Really poor delivery from Madueke, his free-kick is easily claimed by Rui Silva and now the likes of Saliba, Gabriel and Mosquera have to run all the way back after a wasted trip.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
20:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne24 min: Madueke puts the ball through Morita’s legs and goes over the midfielder’s outstretched leg to win Arsenal a free-kick.
Doubt this will be played short again, Gabriel up for this.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
20:23 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne22 min: Arsenal free-kick is played short, Eze has a shot blocked and Sporting look to spring the counter but Martinelli gets back to tackle Catamo and earn the applause of the home fans.
Gunners were in trouble there.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
20:21 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThat's a big chance for Gyokeres. So much time to set himself for the strike, but it's rushed and looked an unnatural swing of the right boot.
Been a quieter spell of the match and no surprise that it's come with Eze struggling to get on the ball as much.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
20:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne19 min: Gyokeres fires over after Madueke did well to pinch the ball off Araujo.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
20:19 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne18 min: Chance for Sporting as Saliba’s pass is cut out, Trincao looks to capitalise but can’t get his shot to curl back inside the post.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
20:18 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne17 min: Arsenal’s fast start has just faded away in recent minutes and they are handed a warning as Suarez fires wide from a tight angle. The Sporting CP striker was offside anyway.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
20:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne14 min: Catamo is getting treatment, so it’s far more serious than we thought. Now he’s back on his feet - to boos and jeers from the Arsenal supporters.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
20:14 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne13 min: Catamo goes down holding his ankle after being caught by Hincapie. Arsenal defender is not happy with the Sporting CP winger, clearly thinks some overreacting is taking place here.
No penalty check, just in case you were wondering.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
20:11 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne10 min: Sporting threaten for the first time but Saliba is alert to concede a throw and then gets back to stop Goncalves from getting a shot away.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
20:08 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThis is already miles better from an Arsenal perspective. Playing with pace, firing the passes forward and when they lose it, hounding the Sporting players.
Home fans responding - much more positive.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
20:08 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne7 min: Brilliant play from Eze right by the touchline as he wriggles away from his marker when it didn’t seem possible, he tees up Madueke who passes the buck to Hincapie whose shot is blocked before a corner comes to nothing.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
20:06 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne5 min: It’s a back five for Sporting CP, out of possession, which is a big difference to what the official lineup graphic suggested.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
20:04 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneInteresting that Eze is the one there to tell Rice to wait to take the free-kick and then wave Gabriel and Saliba forward into the box.
He made that decision himself.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (agg: 1-0)
20:03 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne2 min: Fast start from Arsenal as Eze finds Gyokeres in the box but the Spaniard rushes his final ball, opts to pass instead of shooting or taking an extra touch as that allows Sporting to clear their lines.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
20:02 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal announcer tells the fans to bring their energy, bring their passion and bring their nose tonight. Thankfully no meal requests this time after Saturday's debacle.
KICK-OFF!
20:01 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAway we go!
As it stands
19:58 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal will qualify for the Champions League semi-finals if they avoid defeat.
Sporting must win by at least two clear goals to progress, but will force extra-time if they are winning by one goal after 90 minutes.
HERE WE GO!
19:56 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe teams are out at the Emirates.
Kick-off is next.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
19:55 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne"It's almost a free hit before the big one on Sunday," says Lee Dixon pitchside ahead of kick-off.
Does feel strange how the chance to reach a Champions League semi-final has also become the undercard for the Premier League showdown at the Etihad this weekend.
That's what the fear of potentially letting the title slip away has done.
Around the grounds
19:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe holders PSG are through to the semi-finals, as are Atletico Madrid. Who will join them?
Liverpool 0-2 PSG (PSG win 3-0 on agg)
Atletico Madrid 1-2 Barcelona (Atletico Madrid win 3-2 on aggregate)
Arsenal (1) vs (0) Sporting CP
Bayern Munich (2) vs (1) Real Madrid
Kick-off approaching in north London
19:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne15 minutes to go until kick-off at the Emirates.
Last week
19:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMartinelli & Havertz 😤#UCL pic.twitter.com/cZJbn2QXbh
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 10, 2026
Arsenal suspension risks
19:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal are in the driving seat ahead of their Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting.
Kai Havertz’s late goal in Portugal ensured Arsenal bounced back from successive defeats to Manchester City and Southampton with a morale-boosting victory in Lisbon.
Arsenal are among the favourites to lift the Champions League this season, but were made to work hard for their slender first-leg advantage and will be wary of the threat Sporting pose after a nervy victory.
Mikel Arteta would rightly deny that Arsenal have one eye on a potential semi-final date with Atletico Madrid, but with both Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard still at risk of suspension, the Gunners boss will be mindful of either player picking up a booking at the Emirates.
Rice's fitness
19:32 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMikel Arteta speaking to TNT Sports about Declan Rice's fitness.
“That's Declan. All the boys are desperate to play in these kind of scenarios, they didn't want to miss it and he's fit and available.”
Team news reminder
19:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere is how both teams will line-up today.
Arsenal XI: Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Madueke, Martinelli, Gyokeres.
Substitutes: Arrizabalaga, Setford, White, Lewis-Skelly, Salmon, Norgaard, Dudziak, Trossard, Dowman, Havertz, Jesus.
Sporting CP XI: Rui Silva; Eduardo Quaresma, Diomande, Goncalo Inacio, Araujo; Hjulmand, Morita; Catamo, Pedro Goncalves, Francisco Trincao; Suarez.
Substitutes: Joao Virginia, Debast, Geovany Quenda, Vagiannidis, Kochorashvili, Faye, Braganca, Simoes, Goncalves, Blopa, Nel, Mangas.
Fan reaction: Finish the job
19:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneØdegaard might be a doubt, but the Emirates under the lights is different. We trust the boys to finish the job tonight. 🔴⚪ #AFC #UCL"
— Oracle 🇳🇬👹 (@jextoracle) April 15, 2026
Fan thoughts: Captain Rice
19:21 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneDeclan Rice captains #AFC once again, with the absence of Martin Ødegaard.
— Aaron Jaffe (@AaronJaffe11) April 15, 2026
Fan reaction: Zubimendi starts
19:18 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWhy does it have to be Zubi and rice again in midfield. Why can’t we change it up #afc
— Kanø 〽️💫🌶️ (@Kane2602) April 15, 2026
Arsenal changes
19:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMikel Arteta has kept the changes to a minimum. Three in total from the 2-1 loss to Bournemouth at the weekend as Cristhian Mosquera, Piero Hincapie and Eberechi Eze all start.
Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber, Martin Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori all absent again.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
19:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMatt Verri is in position for us in north London and has delivered his immediate reaction to the Arsenal team news.
🗣 "With Kai Havertz not really looking up to speed yet and Leandro Trossard not in great form either, Mikel Arteta decides it's worth persisting with."@MattVerri gives his thoughts on the #AFC team news against Sporting!
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) April 15, 2026
LIVE: https://t.co/vFPqINKY7g#ARSSCP | #UCL pic.twitter.com/4LUKjohpaa
Sporting CP team in full
19:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneSporting CP XI: Rui Silva; Eduardo Quaresma, Diomande, Goncalo Inacio, Araujo; Hjulmand, Morita; Catamo, Pedro Goncalves, Francisco Trincao; Suarez.
Substitutes: Joao Virginia, Debast, Geovany Quenda, Vagiannidis, Kochorashvili, Faye, Braganca, Simoes, Goncalves, Blopa, Nel, Mangas.
CONFIRMED SPORTING CP TEAM NEWS
19:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLining up for the visitors tonight...
📋 O 𝐗𝐈 𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 dos Leões para o encontro frente ao Arsenal FC 💫 #ARSSCP #UCL pic.twitter.com/pxanyHtUG4
— Sporting CP (@SportingCP) April 15, 2026
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
18:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArteta sticks with that front three of Madueke, Gyokeres and Martinelli. The trio have rarely clicked together and it certainly did not work against Bournemouth on Saturday.
They get another chance here, this time with Eze behind them. Arsenal really are relying on him providing the creative spark and dragging the attack into some form.
ARSENAL team in full
18:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal XI: Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Madueke, Martinelli, Gyokeres.
Substitutes: Arrizabalaga, Setford, White, Lewis-Skelly, Salmon, Norgaard, Dudziak, Trossard, Dowman, Havertz, Jesus.
CONFIRMED ARSENAL TEAM NEWS
18:46 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere is the Arsenal team selected by Mikel Arteta...
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 15, 2026
✨ Mosquera in at right-back
💪 Hincapie bolsters the left side
💡 Eze our creative spark
Up for the fight - let's do this, Gunners!!
Arsenal vs Sporting CP live - team news imminent
18:43 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe teams will be announced shortly!
Stay tuned...
Rice arrives
18:41 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneDeclan Rice has arrived with the Arsenal squad tonight. He was a major doubt after missing training yesterday, but this suggests he will be available for selection.
Odegaard injury update
18:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal captain Martin Odegaard has delivered an update on his latest injury setback.
In his programme notes, Odegaard said: "I had to go off during the second half of that game in Portugal last week, feeling my knee, which is why I missed the game at the weekend.
"I caught it a little bit against Sporting, but hopefully it shouldn’t be too bad.
"I’m desperate to get back as soon as possible because this is the crucial period of the season, in the Premier League and Champions League."
Sporting CP challenge
18:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneSporting CP boss Rui Borges is aware of the challenge his side face tonight - become the first team to beat Arsenal in the Champions League this season.
"We have to do what no one has done in the Champions League, which is to beat Arsenal," Borges told reporters.
"The confidence in the personality of each player is infinite. We're among the top eight teams and this is an important week."
Atletico Madrid await in Champions League semi-final
18:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLast night saw Atletico Madrid and Barcelona do battle in the Champions League quarter-final second leg.
Leading 2-0 from the first leg, Atletico were favourites to progress and they did so but only just as Ademola Lookman's goal proved decisive after Barca had drawn level on aggregate inside the opening 25 minutes.
Mikel Arteta must find answers in his biggest week
18:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe messages aimed Arsenal's way came in the stands and on the pitch, writes Matt Verri.
The mood in the away end on Sunday at Stamford Bridge was buoyant, Manchester City fans celebrating a 3-0 win in a manner that suggested they feel the title will be theirs.
"Are you watching Arsenal?” was loudly chanted. The television cameras then panned to one supporter drinking from an Arsenal-branded bottle. The inference was not particularly subtle.
Most painful, though, was the statement being made by the City players. Chelsea were swatted aside and City now sit just six points behind Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta confirms new Bukayo Saka injury blow
18:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMikel Arteta revealed Bukayo Saka is battling an Achilles injury, but hopes the Arsenal winger will return in "days not weeks".
Saka has not played since the Carabao Cup final last month. He joined up with England for just one day before then withdrawing from international duty and he has missed three Arsenal matches since then.
The 24-year-old did not take part in training on Tuesday and appears set to miss the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting.
Predicted Arsenal XI
18:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneEberechi Eze is now fit again after a calf injury and is pushing to come back into the starting lineup, especially with Martin Odegaard unlikely to be involved.
Kai Havertz netted a late winner is Lisbon last week but could have to settle for a place on the bench again, unless Arteta decides to drop Viktor Gyokeres to the bench against his former club.
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Norgaard; Madueke, Eze, Martinelli; Gyokeres.
Mikel Arteta turns to his unpredictable weapon to fix Arsenal attack
18:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneFire was followed by ice at Arsenal's training ground on Tuesday.
Mikel Arteta came out on the front foot, as he often does after a defeat. He declared he is "on fire" and had "no fear" ahead of Arsenal's Champions League showdown with Sporting.
Calm was restored when Eberechi Eze then sat down for his press conference immediately after. He sunk into his chair and spoke quietly but brilliantly, with the kind of self-confidence that the Arsenal squad desperately need in troubled times.
Eze is a boyhood Arsenal fan and joined the club's academy in 2006, the year the club reached the Champions League final for the first - and still only - time.
That Arsenal side had a big impact on Eze and two decades on he is still drawing inspiration from it.
Click here to read Matt Verri's Arsenal preview ahead of the Sporting CP clash!
Today's settings
18:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal's loss to Bournemouth at the weekend was only their second home defeat of the season, but it could have been a costly one with regard to their Premier League title ambitions.
In the Champions League though, the Gunners have won all five games so far and know a clean sheet tonight will seal a place in the semi-finals.
Arsenal vs Sporting CP latest match odds
18:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal to progress: 1/16
Sporting CP to progress: 8/1
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
Head to head (h2h) history and results
17:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal have never lost to Sporting CP in the regulation 90 minutes. They were, however, knocked out by the Portuguese side on penalties in a Europa League round of 16 tie during the 2022-23 season.
Arsenal wins: 4
Sporting CP wins: 1
Draws: 3
Score prediction
17:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal are suffering somewhat of a wobble as they approach do-or-die territory in the season, with their creativity severely lacking.
They were lucky to come away from Portugal with a first-leg lead, and Wednesday’s visitors will know there is an opportunity to cause a huge upset.
That could play into Arsenal’s hands though, with Sporting having to go for broke. An early goal will set the tone.
Arsenal to win, 2-1 (agg. 3-1)
Sporting CP team news: Hjulmand back after ban
17:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneTop scorer Luis Suarez is available for selection despite an error from UEFA in the first leg last week regarding a suspension.
Geovany Quenda returned from injury at the weekend but is likely to start on the bench, while Morten Hjulmand is available again after being banned in Lisbon.
Ivan Fresneda has not travelled to London, with a decision taken to manage his minutes.
Fotis Ioannidis, ex-West Ham United winger Luis Guilherme and Nuno Santos are all out.
Arsenal team news: Rice doubtful
17:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneDeclan Rice is a surprise doubt for the game after missing training on Tuesday, along with Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori.
Christian Norgaard, who could come into the starting line-up, and Martin Zubimendi are both one yellow card away from being suspended for any semi-final first leg.
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