Arsenal FC can wrap up passage to the UEFA Europa League knockout round tonight with a win over visiting Sporting Lisbon. The Gunners currently sit atop Group E having taken all three points in all three of their matches thus far. A win here and the north London side clinches the group, with two matches left to play.
Let’s take a look at the injury and fitness situations for both teams. Starting with Arsenal, Goalkeeper Petr Cech, centre back Sokratis and defender Nacho Monreal could return to action here and thus complete their recovery from injury.
Midfielder Matteo Guendouzi is line to start here after missing Saturday’s draw against Liverpool due to his being suspended.
Flipping over to the visitors, they will be without the services of the following players: Rodrigo Battaglia, Abdoulaye Diaby, Stefan Ristovski, Stefano Sturaro, Raphinha and Emiliano Viviano. There is some good news for the Portugese side though, as the visitors will welcome Bas Dost back into the fold.
Arsenal FC vs Sporting Lisbon FYIs
Kickoff, TV: Thursday, Nov. 8, 8pm, Emirates Stadium
Odds via Bet365: Arsenal FC 2/7, Draw 4/1, Sporting Lisbon 11/1
Arsenal Starting XI Preview: go to this link
Prediction: Arsenal FC 3, Sporting Lisbon 1
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, regularly appears as a guest pundit on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
He also contributes sociopolitical essays to Lineups.com and Chicago Now. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram. The content of his cat’s Instagram account is unquestionably superior to his.