7M - Champions League Preview: Arsenal vs Sporting CP - Prediction, Team News, Lineups

Arsenal host Sporting CP at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, for the Champions League second leg. The Gunners hold a slender 1-0 advantage from the first-leg victory in Lisbon, putting them in a strong position to advance.

Arsenal's recent Champions League form has been impressive. Across their last ten tournament matches, they have averaged 2.5 goals per game while conceding just 0.5, keeping six clean sheets. At home in the competition, the North London side have won five of their last six outings, scoring 14 goals and conceding only four. Kai Havertz has been a key attacking threat, registering three Champions League goals in his last six appearances.

Sporting CP face an uphill battle after the narrow first-leg defeat. In their last ten Champions League fixtures, they have averaged 1.8 goals scored and 1.4 conceded per match, with just two clean sheets. On the road in the tournament, their record is less convincing: one win, two draws, and three losses in their last six away games, with six goals scored and eleven conceded. Luis Suarez, who has three Champions League goals in his last six matches, is unavailable due to injury, dealing a significant blow to their attacking options.

Defensive solidity could prove decisive. Arsenal have kept six clean sheets in their last ten Champions League matches, while Sporting CP have struggled to shut out opponents, failing to keep a clean sheet in eight of their last ten tournament games. Historical data suggests an entertaining encounter, with over 2.5 goals occurring in three of the last four head-to-head meetings between these sides.

Team news favors the hosts despite some absences. Arsenal will be without Myles Lewis-Skelly, Christian Norgaard, Declan Rice, and Leandro Trossard. Sporting CP's main concern is the injury to Luis Suarez, leaving them with limited attacking depth for this crucial clash.

In head-to-head history, Arsenal have dominated recent encounters, winning the last two meetings (5-1 and 1-0) and three of the last six overall. Both teams have scored in three of the last four meetings, indicating that Sporting CP may still find the net despite the pressure.

With a one-goal cushion, Arsenal can afford to manage the tempo, while Sporting CP must attack aggressively to force extra time. The absence of key players for both sides adds uncertainty, but Arsenal's home advantage and superior defensive record give them the edge.

Predicted score: Arsenal 2-1 Sporting CP