The key matchup here is Sporting’s midfield general, Morten Hjulmand, trying to disrupt Arsenal’s engine room of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. If Hjulmand can break up play and stop Arsenal from getting into their rhythm, it makes life incredibly difficult for the Gunners.
Sporting's form has been strong domestically, winning their last five league games and sitting atop the Primeira Liga. They've scored 19 goals in that run. Arsenal, meanwhile, just dropped points at home to Aston Villa and looked a bit flat in the second half. They’ve been riding high, but that Villa game felt like a jolt.
Despite Sporting’s resilience, Arsenal will bounce back. They'll edge a tight one, 2-1.
Predictions are for entertainment purposes only. Not gambling advice.