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April 7, 2026 17:27 GMT (UK), by Sri Aswin

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Arsenal take on Sporting CP away from home in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final tonight.

The Gunners have had a mixed record against the Portuguese outfit over the years, but will be eyeing a victory this time.

Ahead of the game, manager Mikel Arteta could make as many as seven games as the club seek to return to winning ways.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Line-up:

David Raya is Arsenal‘s undisputed starter in the Premier League and Champions League games, and should replace Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal.

The backline could witness at least two changes from the Southampton loss in the FA Cup quarter-final. William Saliba is expected to be reinstated alongside Gabriel Magalhaes in the heart of the backline.

Ben White should continue at right-back with Jurrien Timber ruled out, but there could be a change on the opposite end with Riccardo Calafiori coming in for Myles Lewis-Skelly. Piero Hincapie is out injured.

Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice are expected to be reinstated in the heart of the midfield alongside Martin Odegaard, meaning Christian Norgaard and Kai Havertz should drop to the substitutes’ bench.

In the final third, Max Dowman may continue on the right wing with Bukayo Saka sidelined. The Gunners graduate had a brilliant outing against the Saints last weekend despite their disappointing 2-1 defeat.

Leandro Trossard is poised to replace Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing, while Viktor Gyokeres should lead the line ahead of Gabriel Jesus. He has been in good scoring form lately and netted at St Mary’s.

Predicted Arsenal line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Sporting CP: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice; Dowman, Odegaard, Trossard; Gyokeres.