Predicted Arsenal lineup to face Sporting Lisbon with all eyes on Smith Rowe

Arsenal are set to take on Sporting Lisbon in their UEFA Europa League round of 16 tie on Thursday, and Mikel Arteta is likely to use the 4-2-3-1 formation in this game. The Gunners have been in fine form in the Premier League this season, sitting at the top of the table. However, they will need to shift their focus to Europe as they take on a tough Sporting Lisbon side.

The predicted Arsenal lineup for this game is as follows: Matt Turner; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Oleksandr Zinchenko; Granit Xhaka, Jorginho; Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe; Gabriel Martinelli.

All eyes will be on Emile Smith Rowe as he gets a chance in the starting eleven for the first time in months after having had a half of his season ruined because of injuries. The young forward has shown glimpses of his potential and will be looking to make an impact against Sporting Lisbon.

However, Arsenal will be without Kieran Tierney for this game. The Scottish left-back was expected to start but will not be available due to injury. As a result, Oleksandr Zinchenko will start in his place even though Arteta would have liked to rest him on Thursday.

In defense, Arsenal have a solid backline with Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba forming a strong partnership at center-back. Oleksandr Zinchenko and Ben White have been great as fullbacks this season.

In midfield, Granit Xhaka and Jorginho are likely to start as the holding midfielders. Xhaka has been one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers this season while Jorginho has shown flashes of brilliance since joining from Chelsea.

The attacking trio of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli is likely to cause problems for Sporting Lisbon’s defense. Saka has been one of Arsenal’s standout players this season while Odegaard has added creativity and flair to the team. Martinelli is also a talented young player who can score goals and create chances for his teammates.

Overall, Arsenal have a strong lineup for their Europa League clash against Sporting Lisbon. With Emile Smith Rowe back in action and a solid defense behind them, they will be looking to secure a positive result on Thursday.