UCL: Arsenal v Sporting CP

On to the next one.

After suffering defeat at the weekend, Arsenal set their sights on Europe for a second leg tie with Sporting CP. After a late Kai Havertz winner in Portugal, Arsenal will be expected to progress; however, players will need to not overlook a potent Portuguese side who will take encouragement from Arsenal’s recent domestic form.

For Sporting, the Portuguese top-flight title is out of the visitors' hands, and they also may have one eye on their own heavyweight battle with Benfica on Sunday, but not before a shot at club history. Sporting have never won a two-legged European contest after losing the first leg by a one-goal margin at home, and they have lost 13 of their last 14 such ties following a first-leg home loss by any scoreline.

The Gunners seek a second straight CL semi-final for the first time in their history. Based on recent form, it’s very difficult to predict what we’ll see on Wednesday. With a seemingly existential showdown with City looming, it’s down to the players to raise their levels and focus on the task at hand. In what has become a recurring theme under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal approach the end of the season with more fitness doubts than their rivals. Hopefully, Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber will contribute some minutes, as their absence has been cruelly felt in recent weeks.

Can Arsenal finish the job at home? Or will Sporting take advantage of a mentally fragile Arsenal and create their own history? Join us at Dillon’s on Wednesday afternoon where it will all unfold.

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