Overview
The return of captain Martin Odegaard is having a positive impact on the entire Arsenal team. The Gunners are showing a much more positive side when the Norwegian midfielder is on the field.
In the most recent match against Nottingham Forest - the phenomenon of the Premier League this season, Arsenal had a comprehensive victory. The main player was none other than Odegaard with his excellent passing and creating ability.
After a difficult period, the pillars of The Gunners are gradually returning and now it is time for them to show their best football. The trip to Portugal to face Sporting Lisbon will be a strong enough test for Arsenal's revival.
Sporting are in great form, leading the Portuguese national championship and finishing second in the Champions League. However, they have just parted ways with coach Ruben Amorim, who has moved to lead Man United.
There will be doubts about Sporting's strength after Amorim's departure. However, playing at home with a squad in good form, led by striker Viktor Gyokeres, Sporting promise to still pose a tough challenge for Arsenal.
The two teams last met in the Europa League two seasons ago, with both legs ending in draws before Sporting won on penalties. The two teams also drew 0-0 at the Emirates in 2018.
Human resources situation
Sporting are in good form and have almost their strongest squad. Nuno Santos and Pedro Goncalves are the only two absentees from the home team.
On the other side of the front line, Arsenal will be unable to have the services of defensive trio Ben White, Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu on the trip to Lisbon.
Expected lineup:
Sporting Lisbon: Israel, Reis, Inacio, Diomande, Quenda, Morita, Hjulmand, Araujo, Trincao, Gyokeres, Edwards.
Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Odegaard, Partey, Rice, Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.
The match between Sporting Lisbon and Arsenal takes place at 3:00 a.m. on November 27 (Vietnam time).
