Frank Christian
Arsenal is gearing up to improve their UEFA Champions League record as they take on Sporting CP this Tuesday, with Martin Odegaard returning from injury and ready to lead the team.
After missing two months, Odegaard played a key role in Arsenal’s 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest, ending the team’s three-match losing streak. Currently positioned 12th in the Champions League, a victory against Sporting would enhance Arsenal’s chances of advancing to the Round of 16.
However, they face a tough challenge from Sporting CP, who have excelled in European competition this season, led by the impressive young forward Viktor Gyokeres.
Gyokeres scored three goals as Sporting defeated Manchester City 4-1 in their last Champions League outing, putting other teams in Europe on alert.
The impact of Sporting’s recent change in management, with Ruben Amorim leaving for Manchester United, could also influence their performance moving forward.
Confirmed Lineups and Team News for Sporting CP vs. Arsenal
Sporting will be without defender Zeno Debast, who is sidelined due to a thigh injury. Goncalo Inacio and Jerry St. Juste will form the back three.
Additionally, Nuno Santos is recovering from a knee injury, and Pedro Goncalves is absent due to a muscle problem.
Sporting CP lineup (3-4-3, right to left): Israel (GK) — St. Juste, Diomande, Inacio — Quenda, Morita, Hjulmand, Araujo — Trincao, Gyokeres, Edwards
Sporting CP substitutes: Reis, Kovacevic, Harder, Catamo, Fresneda, Braganca, Callai, Esgaio, Brito, Joao Simoes, Miguel Alves, Couto
Injuries: Nuno Santos (knee), Debast (thigh), Pedro Goncalves (muscle).
Suspensions: None.
On the Arsenal side, Martin Odegaard has returned after a lengthy ankle injury, revitalizing the team. Bukayo Saka is also available following a brief absence from international duty due to injury concerns.
Ben White is recovering from knee surgery and will be out until the next year, while Takehiro Tomiyasu is also unavailable due to knee problems. Kieran Tierney has returned to the squad after his long-term injury and is on the bench.
Manager Mikel Arteta made several changes against Nottingham Forest, choosing to rest starters like Declan Rice and Gabriel Martinelli, but both are back for this crucial European encounter.
Arsenal lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Raya (GK) — Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori — Odegaard, Partey, Rice — Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
Arsenal substitutes: Tierney, Jesus, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Trossard, Jorginho, Merino, Sterling, Neto, Setford, Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri
Injuries: White (knee), Tomiyasu (knee).
Suspensions: None.
How to Watch Sporting CP vs. Arsenal Live
Here’s how to catch the Champions League match in various parts of the world:
| TV Channel | Streaming | |
| USA | — | Paramount+ |
| Canada | — | DAZN |
| UK | TNT Sports 1 | discovery+ |
| Australia | — | Stan Sport |
| India | Sony TEN 5 | Sony LIV, JioTV |
