Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are back in Europa League action on Thursday when they face Sporting Lisbon in the last-16 first leg.
The Gunners enjoyed a dominant group stage run, winning five games and losing just once as they finished top of Group A.
Arteta’s side are coming off a dramatic 3-2 win at home to Bournemouth - with Thomas Partey, Ben White and Reiss Nelson all scoring for the Premier League leaders.
As for Sporting, they come into the game off the back of a 1-0 away win over Portimonense. The Portuguese side progressed through to the current stage of the Europa League following their 5-1 aggregate win against Danish side FC Midtjylland.
Sportsmail breaks down everything you need to know ahead of Sporting Lisbon’s meeting with Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal are coming into the game off a 3-2 win against Bournemouth
Sporting Lisbon progressed through to the last-16 stage after they beat FC Midtjylland
Sporting’s clash with the Gunners will take place on Thursday, with the game kicking off at 5:45pm.
The clash will take place at the Jose Alvalade Stadium - where Sporting have won three of the last five games in all competitions.
The two teams last met in 2018 - where both sides played out a 0-0 draw at the Emirates in the Europa League group stage.
Sporting will be hoping that Pedro Goncalves can add to his 12 goals in all competitions this season. The Portuguese winger has scored four goals in his last five games for the side.
As for the Gunners, Bukayo Saka has been the Gunners’ star player this season and has scored 11 goals in all competitions. The Englishman has scored three goals in his last five games for Arsenal.
Pedro Goncalves (left) will be hoping to shock Bukayo Saka (right) and his Arsenal team-mates
Thursday’s showdown between Sporting and Arsenal will be shown live on BT Sport 2, with coverage getting underway at 5:15pm.
It will also be streamed on the official BT Sport app.
Highlights will be uploaded to the official BT Sport YouTube channel after the game.
Sportsmail will also be providing live coverage of Sporting vs Arsenal, so you can keep up-to-date with all the latest developments here.
Thursday's clash between Sporting and Arsenal will take place at the Jose Alvalade Stadium
The Gunners have recently been handed a major boost as forward Gabriel Jesus recently returned to training.
Jesus has not played for Arteta's side since their 2-0 win over Wolves back in November due to a knee injury.
With the Brazilian only just returning to training, it is unlikely that he will start against Sporting. With Eddie Nketiah also injured, Arteta may call upon Gabriel Martinelli to lead the line.
After being named on the bench in their last game, Jorginho may be given a chance to start in midfield alongside Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard.
As for Sporting, the only major absentee is Manuel Ugarte. The midfielder will not feature against Arsenal due to suspension.
Predicted Sporting Lisbon XI (3-4-3): Adan; Inacio, Coates, St. Juste; Esgaio, Tanlongo, Morita, Reis; Edwards, Paulinho, Goncalves
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Turner; White, Holding, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Odegaard, Jorginho, Xhaka; Saka, Martinelli, Smith Rowe
Gabriel Martinelli may lead the line against Sporting with Nketiah injured and Jesus not ready
Sporting will be without key midfielder Manuel Ugarte for the game with Arsenal
Heading into the game, Arteta understands that his side are in for a tough game and believes that Sporting are a 'competitive' team.
'Their strength is the idea of the manager which is very clear. He has been very successful over the past years, Arteta said at the pre-match press conference.
'We watched many of their matches vs Tottenham and vs the big teams in Portugal. They are a very competitive team with a clear game plan. We need to be at our best to win this match.
The Spaniard has brushed aside any talk of the Gunners being favourites to progress through to the next round.
Mikel Arteta is aware that his side are in for a tough game when they face Sporting Lisbon
Ruben Amorim believes that his Sporting side are ready to face the best Arsenal
'It will be a tough match for both teams. Both very competitive, we have a very clear idea. Be a very tough match in this stadium vs team with a big tradition, but we want to win.'
As for Sporting, manager Ruben Amorim believes that his side are ready to face the 'best' Arsenal heading into Thursday's showdown with the London side.
'Above all we know very well the spirit of Arsenal. They are eager to win any match and that’s why they’ve been able to win right at the buzzer,' Amorim said at his pre-match press conference.
'You say how they celebrate the victories. We are ready to face the best Arsenal and we know that it will be a very difficult opponent. We’re all excited and looking forward to the match.'
Sporting Lisbon vs Arsenal oddsSporting Lisbon win - 13/5
Arsenal win - 21/10
Draw - 23/10
Sporting Lisbon to win; Sporting Lisbon most corners and Arsenal most cards - 22/1
Odds via Paddy Power and correct at the time of publication
The Gunners have enjoyed a greta season so far and will be full of confidence against Sporting
With Arsenal currently enjoying a brilliant season so far, the Gunners will be full of confidence heading into the clash with Sporting.
Arteta's side have only got the Premier League and the Europa League to play for heading into the back end of the season. Therefore, the London side will be aiming to challenge on all fronts and pick up two trophies this season.
As for Sporting, the Portuguese club enjoyed a comfortable victory in the last round but will be aware that they will be in for a tougher test against the Gunners.
Amorim's side will be looking to make home advantage count and give Arsenal a lot of work to do when the two clubs meet again next week.
Prediction - 2-1 Arsenal win
