Thursday 25th October 1755hrs Sporting Lisbon v Arsenal Football – Europe – Europa League Sporting and Arsenal are another two teams who’s participation in this competition indicates how much deeper it’s getting in terms of quality. Both of these have been regular participants in the Champions League but they also have fond memories of this one, too. The two of them have a dominant hold on Group E with maximum points and are very much odds on to qualify for the knockout phase. First place will be in their sights, though, so continue reading for a match preview of Sporting Lisbon v Arsenal and a selected betting tip.
Sporting Lisbon have had a disappointing start to the season domestically and currently sit in fifth spot, a few points off the pace set by city rivals Benfica. Jose Peseiro took over in the summer following the massive upheaval and unrest that beset the club towards the end of last season, so there was always bound to be a transition period and that’s certainly the case, at least domestically. Sporting have been faultless in the Europa League though, beating Qarabag at home before getting a valuable three points on the road against Vorskla last time out. Their prodigal son Nani has return to the club and is proving very important – providing some much needed leadership on the field. There’s plenty of experience in the squad but having lost so much quality matches such as these against Arsenal are going to be a challenge.
Arsenal won their 10th straight game in all competitions on Monday night with an impressive come from behind win at home to Leicester. Mesut Ozil was outstanding and involved in all three goals, on his first start as captain for the club. Two of their 10 wins have come in the Europa League against the same opponents that Sporting have gotten the better of, and the matches against the Portuguese club were likely to be a step up in class so it will be interesting to see how Unai Emery approaches the match on Thursday. Considering this a competition that he is a perennial winner of then it’s been no surprise that the teams he has picked for the first couple of games have been strong with only a few changes. With Champions League qualification the aim for Arsenal this season, direct passage to that competition via this one is an opportunity they can ill afford to pass up.
Sporting Lisbon v Arsenal Betting Tip
Both of these teams have maximum points but Arsenal have been the more impressive thus far. Emery has been able to include a couple of younger players in both games played thus far but the core of the team is made up of regulars as he looks to build what is still very much a new team. Sporting will have to be at their absolute best to get a result in this one you feel and even then it may not be good enough. The hosts will take hope from how many chances Leicester were able to create in that first half at The Emirates, though.
Sporting’s home form has been solid and that includes in the Europa League where they have lost only two of their last 25 home games in the Europa League. Arsenal will present a severe challenge to that record but having played on Monday night, a draw may well be sufficient for the Gunners in this one ahead of the return game in this double header.
Selection: Draw 66/25 @ Marathon Bet
