Gabriel Jesus starts, Reiss Nelson in attack and fresh changes in defence — Arsenal predicted XI v Sporting CP

Arsenal will be looking to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Europa League when they take on Sporting in the second leg of their last 16 tie.

With the aggregate score tied at 2-2, the Gunners will be keen to put in a strong performance and secure their progression to the next round after an end-to-end first leg in Lisbon.

“We haven’t had big European nights for three years due to COVID especially,” said Arteta in his pre-match press conference.

“Tomorrow is the first one for a while. Hopefully we will build a big atmosphere and enjoy with our supporters against a really good team that is going to put a big challenge in front of us.”

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is expected to make a few changes to the team that started the first leg. In goal, Matt Turner is predicted to get the nod ahead of Aaron Ramsdale, with the USA shot stopper currently the preferred choice in the cup competitions.

The backline is likely to field several changes, with Takehiro Tomiyasu, Rob Holding, Gabriel and Kieran Tierney among the players who could feature.

In midfield, Jorginho is predicted to start in the holding role, with Emile Smith Rowe and Granit Xhaka alongside him. The trio will be tasked with controlling the midfield and providing a platform for the front three to attack.

Fabio Vieira is predicted to start with Leandro Trossard and Reiss Nelson in attack, while Gabriel Jesus looks likely to make his first start for the Gunners in over three months.

Eddie Nketiah is "still a few weeks away" from returning, according to Arteta.

Arsenal predicted XI: Turner; Tomiyasu, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Jorginho, Smith Rowe, Xhaka; Fabio Vieira, Trossard, Nelson.