Sporting CP v Arsenal - Preview and possible lineups

Sporting CP: The Portuguese outfit have managed to put the nightmare of their player exodus behind them to win the first two group matches of their Europa League campaign, even though that came against poor opposition. This will be a stiff test for Jose Peseiro's men.

Bas Dost will be a huge miss for the home side, with Raphinha also a definite absent for this one. Fredy Montero and Jeremy Mathieu could return, but are definitely not certain to line up against the 'Gunners'.

Arsenal: The north London side have had an excellent start to their Europa League campaign, even though this too will be their first real test, and will hope that Mesut Ozil will be able to re-produce the heroics he produced against Leicester on Monday night in the Premier League.

Sokratis and Petr Cech will not be fit for the clash, but a surprise return to action could come for Carl Jenkison who has been included in the squad for the match, having previously not played for the team in almost two years.

Sporting CP boss Jose Peseiro on the quality that will be on show in the match:

"Sporting and Arsenal are Champions League teams in the Europa League, these are two clubs with an international appeal, with a strong presence in their respective countries, with loyal fan bases.

"We know the power of Arsenal but we want to win tomorrow because we want stay first in the group, "

Arsenal manager Unai Emery on what he aims to achieve in the competition:

"For us this competition is very important. Sporting are a very good team, with big experience and good players. In this moment we are two teams both in first position. In our mind we want to be first in this group.

"Tomorrow is a very big match and very important for our confidence."

Did you know?

Despite these two teams have great status in the European game, this will be their first ever meeting.

Arsenal have never beaten a Portuguese side away from home (D3 L3), losing each of their last three.

Sporting have won each of their last three games in the Europa League, their best run in the competition since October 2011.

Prediction: 1-2

Form: 

Possible lineups:

Sporting CP: Salin; Ristovski, Coates, Pinto, Acuna; Nani, Battaglia, Fernandes, Gudelj, Cabral; Montero

Arsenal: Leno; Bellerin, Holding, Mustafi, Lichtsteiner; Mkhitaryan, Guendouzi, Ramsey, Elneny, Iwobi; Welbeck.