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Can Sporting continue their remarkable performance in the Champions League even without the manager who made them title winners in Portugal again? Tuesday should provide the first indication as a side without Ruben Amorim welcome Arsenal to the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Sporting’s first match since their head coach left for Manchester United proved a comprehensive victory for new boss Joao Pereira, but Arsenal will face a much bigger challenge than third-tier Amarante, who lost 6–0 in the fourth round of the Portuguese Cup. With the Gunners on form and having rested several players for the win over Nottingham Forest, this promises to be an intriguing match. Here’s how to watch the match and what you need to know:
View information
- Date: Tuesday November 26 | Time: 3:00 PM ET
- Location: Estadio Jose Alvalade – Lisbon, Portugal
- Live stream: Biggest+
- Chances: Sporty +220; Sign +250; Arsenal +125
Team news
Sporty: Pedro Goncalves’ absence could cause Pereira a lot of headaches. The 26-year-old may not be as big a name as Viktor Gyokores, but don’t underestimate his ability to drive Sporting up the pitch as an auxiliary midfielder while also providing the kind of double-digit goals and assists more associated with a striker. Former Tottenham winger Marcus Edwards could come in his place.
Left back Nuno Santos will also be missing from Sporting due to a knee injury, while promising defender Zeno Debast is doubtful with a muscle problem.
Possible Sporting XI: Israel; St. Juste, Diomande, Inacio; Catamo, Hjulmand, Morita, Quenda; Edwards, Gyokeres, Trincao
Arsenal: It was not just the return to winning ways that was so encouraging for Mikel Arteta on Saturday, but also the way his side managed to beat Nottingham Forest while rotating the XI. Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Thomas Partey could all make it into the XI, as could Declan Rice, whose recovery from a toe injury is being carefully managed.
With Kieran Tierney having joined the first team, it is only full-backs Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu (both with knee injuries) who will certainly be unavailable for Arteta in Lisbon.
Possible Arsenal XI: Raya; Wood, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Partey, Merino; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
Prediction
Don’t expect Sporting to make waves over Arsenal like they did with City. The Premier League side should have about enough. CHOOSE: Sporting 1, Arsenal 2