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Predicted Arsenal XI vs Sporting CP: Emile Smith Rowe’s first start

By James Cormack

LISBON, PORTUGAL - MARCH 9: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal during the UEFA Europa League match between Sporting CP v Arsenal at the Estadio Jose Alvalade on March 9, 2023 in Lisbon Portugal (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)
LISBON, PORTUGAL - MARCH 9: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal during the UEFA Europa League match between Sporting CP v Arsenal at the Estadio Jose Alvalade on March 9, 2023 in Lisbon Portugal (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images) /
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It’s all to play for on Thursday night as Arsenal play host to Sporting CP in the second leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie.

The Gunners took the lead in Lisbon last time out but they were forced to come from behind to rescue a 2-2 draw in the second half and set up an intriguing return fixture at the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta’s rotated XI struggled against an impressive Sporting side, but Arsenal’s strong standing at the top of the Premier League table means it’s unlikely the Spaniard will make wholesale changes from last week’s team in Lisbon.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Sporting CP

Here’s the starting XI Arteta could pick for the second leg against Sporting.

Will Mikel Arteta opt for a similar starting XI from the first leg? (Photo by FILIPE AMORIM / AFP) (Photo by FILIPE AMORIM/AFP via Getty Images)
Will Mikel Arteta opt for a similar starting XI from the first leg? (Photo by FILIPE AMORIM / AFP) (Photo by FILIPE AMORIM/AFP via Getty Images) /

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Matt Turner (GK) – Turner produced his worst performance of the season last Thursday, but rust undoubtedly played a factor in his unconvincing showing. He should retain his place in the Europa League XI, and Arteta will hope his backup keeper can produce a more stable display.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (RB) – Ben White has enjoyed a long run in the team and I think Arteta should rotate at right-back. Tomiyasu was excellent off the bench in Lisbon and deserves a start.

Rob Holding (CB) – William Saliba got the nod alongside Jakub Kiwior last week, but we could see a different partnership altogether on Thursday with Holding coming back in to replace Saliba.

Gabriel (CB) – Arteta wouldn’t want to partner Holding with Kiwior, who struggled on debut, so Gabriel is set to make another Europa League appearance. The Brazilian’s established a coherent understanding with Holding this term.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – Tierney missed the first leg through illness, but he was back in action off the bench against Fulham. The Scot’s available for Thursday’s contest and should replace Zinchenko in the team. Tomiyasu’s inclusion opposite Tierney could alter the dynamics of the Gunners in possession.

Midfielders

Jorginho (DM) – Partey was excellent at the weekend and Arteta will preserve the Ghanaian for Sunday with Jorginho coming back in at the base of midfield.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – Xhaka’s enjoyed an uptick in form since he was dropped from the XI, and I expect him to captain the side on Thursday.

Emile Smith Rowe (CM) – Finally, an ESR start! The versatile midfielder’s had to be patient since returning from a long-term injury, but now’s the time for Arteta to hand the Englishman significant minutes.

Forwards

Fabio Vieira (RW) – Bukayo Saka has got to earn a rest before the final stretch of the season. So, Arteta could utilise Fabio Vieira down the right should he opt for Smith Rowe in midfield. The playmaker impressed in the first leg.

Leandro Trossard (ST) – Eddie Nketiah is still missing, but Gabriel Jesus is back! He’ll continue to earn minutes off the bench while Trossard continues to shin in a fluid central position.

Reiss Nelson (LW) – Arteta would also be wise to give Martinelli a rest and give Nelson another start in this competition. The winger showed flashes in Lisbon, but he was unable to piece it together in the final third.