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Here at bettingexpert Expert Insights, we have taken a closer look at the big game in the Europa League on Thursday night. Arsenal will host a Sporting side that looks rejuvenated in recent weeks. We’ve constructed a bet builder for this clash in the preview below.
In this article:
Europa League Round of 16, Thursday, March 16th, 20:00 (UK)
Arsenal have been in great shape in the Premier League this season but their form in Europe has also impressed. They topped a somewhat difficult group following some strong displays from PSV. Mikel Arteta’s side have won five of their last six games in all competitions – similar form to Sporting.
The English side rotated a bit for the first leg last Thursday. Jakub Kiwior, Fabio Vieira and Matt Turner were handed a start. That experimental Arsenal side eventually came away from Lisbon with a 2-2 draw, but there will likely be a few more usual suspects in the starting XI as the Gunners look to secure a quarter-final place at the Emirates. Having won all three of their European home games this season without conceding, they have cause for optimism.
Meanwhile, Sporting have fallen short in the Primeira Liga in recent weeks, where a top 3 finish looks far from certain. Rúben Amorim’s side know the importance of reaching the last eight but they will have to bring their A-game to London.
Arsenal are priced at 1.33 to win here, Sporting are available at 8.50 with the draw coming in at 5.00. Simply put, Arsenal are huge favourites to progress which I’d agree with given a number of their starters expected to return for this crunch tie as well as the venue being the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal scored three goals in the first half against Fulham at the weekend to continue their lead at the top of the Premier League, while Sporting also claimed a 3-0 win over Boavista later on Sunday night. Both sides created enough chances last time they met and this second-leg fixture could be a repeat of that.
Meanwhile, Sporting have drawn their last three games in England (including a 0-0 at Arsenal in the 2018/19 Europa League group stage).
With the away goals rule scrapped, another draw could mean a dramatic finish. And with the absence of skipper Sebastian Coates and Hidemasa Morita due to suspension, Sporting look handicapped for this one. Backing the Gunners on the night might not be out of place.
In addition, high volume of corner kicks (12) were played in Lisbon and a repeat of that should not be difficult as the Gunners have played 22 corners alone in their past two home games.
Bet Builder odds: 2.40
Odds via bet365 as at 08:20, March 14th, 2023. Odds may now differ.