With the quarter finals of the Europa League the prize to the winners of Thursday night’s game, Mikel Arteta has named a strong line up against Sporting, including a start for Gabriel Jesus.
At 2-2 in the tie, there’s still all to play for in the second leg, and with the Emirates Stadium crowd behind them, the Gunners will hopefully be buoyed to produce another quality performance.
Jesus has been out of action for four months, and his first start since returning will boost the front line.
The player himself will surely be keen to prove that he’s lost none of the sharpness he possessed at the beginning of the season.
As we approach the business end of the domestic and European campaigns, his return couldn’t have been more timely either.
Sporting arrive in north London on the back of a seven game unbeaten run, per WhoScored, and having scored in every game bar one in their last 14 in all competitions.
The first leg produced a pulsating 90 minutes, and if the same intensity and desire is forthcoming in Thursday night’s return, it will be a Europa League game for the ages.
With a Premier League game to come against Crystal Palace on Sunday, Arteta might hope to put this one to bed early in order that he can rest some stars for what’s sure to be another Premier League test.
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? Tomiyasu at the back
©? Xhaka skippers the side
?? Gabby leading the line
Let’s do this – together! pic.twitter.com/oq6MSoLNRO— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 16, 2023