Arsenal v Sporting Lisbon Match Preview, Free Bets & Betting Tips

Things are finely poised as Arsenal welcome Sporting Lisbon to the Emirates for the second leg of their last-16 Europa League tie on Thursday evening.

Mikel Arteta rang in the changes for the first leg in Portugal last week, making six changes, and his side claimed a 2-2 draw.

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There was a mixture of brilliant attacking football as well as some disorder at the back as far as the Gunners were concerned, as Sporting played their part in an enthralling contest.

Normal business resumed for Arsenal last weekend, as they roared to a 3-0 victory away to Fulham, and they barely seemed to break a sweat, with Leandro Trossard registering a hat-trick of assists.

The return of Gabriel Jesus will have been pleasing, and he could well start against Sporting, but Gabriel Martinelli will have to tread a tightrope, because he will miss the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals if he is cautioned.

Sporting may have to reshuffle the pack, with Hidemasa Morita to sit out the game through suspension, so Pedro Goncalves will be deployed through the middle.

We have rummaged through the markets and picked out a couple of juicy tips to line your betting slips with.

Arsenal to get the job done

Although there were some frantic moments in what was a frenetic affair a week ago in Portugal, Arteta was missing some serious firepower and he had to rejig things around.

Perhaps the nature of the goals that the Gunners conceded would have been head-scratching as they were rather elementary.

That said, there is cause for optimism as Arsenal have won all three Europa League matches at home this term, and they have kept three clean sheets.

Whereas, Sporting have drawn their last three ties in England, including a 0-0 at Arsenal in the 2018/19 Europa League stage.

Sporting will be hoping that Arsenal will take their eye off the ball with another crunch domestic assignment away to Crystal Palace at the weekend.

Although the Premier League is higher on their list of priorities, the Gunners should get through this game in the regulation 90 minutes without needing extra time or penalties.

For my first pick, I have plumped with the Gunners to win to nil, which is available at a short 6/5 with Paddy Power.

Arsenal vs Sporting Lisbon

Arsenal vs Sporting Lisbon Tips

Our top prediction for Arsenal vs Sporting Lisbon

Get 6/5 on Arsenal to win to nil with PaddyPower

Gabriel Martinelli to produce a two-goal salvo

Despite having to be careful that he doesn’t end up in the referee’s book, Martinelli has got better as the season has worn on.

The Brazilian hitman has notched up 12 goals in the Premier League, and while he’s mainly been limited to cameo appearances in the Europa League, the net could well bulge for him.

Big players deliver on big occasions, and Martinelli, who usually garners a lot of attention in the goalscorer markets, could well make a meaty contribution.

I expect him to give the Sporting rearguard a good working over, and he could well pop up with a double, which is trading at 7/1 with William Hill if you fancy following up on that.

Arsenal vs Sporting Lisbon

Arsenal vs Sporting Lisbon Tips

Goalscorer Prediction for Arsenal vs Sporting Lisbon

Get 7/1 on Martinelli to score 2+ goals with William Hill

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New 18+ UK customers only. Register using the promo code WELCOME40, deposit and place first bet of £10+ on Sports (cumulative Evens+) within 7 days of registration. First bet must be on Sports. £30 in Free Bets and £10 in Free Spins (50x20p) credited within 10 hours of bet settlement. Free Bet stakes are not included in any returns. Bonuses have a 7-day expiry. Payment restrictions apply. SMS verification and/or Proof of I.D and address may be required. Full T&Cs apply.