Sporting might be the betting outsiders to win this Europa League tie although they could be a value bet to secure a first leg advantage against an Arsenal side who are now focused on making history by landing the English Premier League title. The Portuguese side started the Champions League group stage like a house on fire, winning their opening two clashes.

Ruben Amorim’s side claimed a 3-0 win away to Eintracht Frankfurt and a 2-0 victory over Tottenham really had them in the box seat to secure a place in the last sixteen of the competition. However, they were only able to take one point from their remaining four clashes and that means they play in the secondary competition.

While they are now focused on European success, they could be up against a weakened Arsenal team as Mikel Arteta considers resting some of his key players for this contest. After all, it is a two-legged tie and perhaps the draw makes more appeal considering that it would please the visitors before trying to qualify for the last eight at the Emirates Stadium.

Not that the Gunners have a huge amount of strength in depth, with Arsenal having won ten of their thirteen away clashes this season, although they face a Sporting side who happen to be in good form right now. There were wins against Chaves and Portimonense even if the team are well off the pace being set by Benfica and Porto right now.

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