Arsenal's Europa League knockout campaign gets underway on Thursday when the Gunners face Sporting Lisbon in the Round of 16.
After winning five and losing once in the Europa League group stages, Arsenal automatically qualified for the Round of 16 draw, meaning they had no involvement in the Round of 32 fixtures that took place last month. Sporting Lisbon dropped out of the Champions League, meaning they had to beat Midtjylland of Denmark to book their spot in the Round of 16, setting up a tasty tie against the Gunners.
Mikel Arteta's side enters the clash on the back of one of their biggest wins of the season so far, with Reiss Nelson instrumental as Arsenal came from two goals down to beat Bournemouth 3-2 in the Premier League. The Gunners last faced Sporting five years ago in the Europa League group stages, winning the away clash 1-0 before drawing 0-0 at the Emirates.
READ MORE: Arsenal stance on huge Victor Osimhen transfer swoop revealed amid Man United and Chelsea links
So, could Arsenal draw first blood in their Europa League Round of 16 clash? Let's take a look.
Sporting Lisbon vs Arsenal score predicted by simulation
To complete this simulation, we used FIFA 23 and updated the squads with the latest injuries and suspensions. Sporting Lisbon's stadium is not available in FIFA 23, so the game was played at the Emirates Stadium.
We predict that the hosts could line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with their line-up as follows: Adan; Diomande, Coates, Inacio; Esgaio, Ugarte, Morita, Santos; Pote, Edwards; Chermiti.
We predict that the Gunners could set up in a 4-3-3 formation, with their line-up as follows: Turner; Tomiyasu, Holding, Kiwior, Zinchenko; Jorginho, Vieira, Xhaka; Nelson, Martinelli, Smith Rowe.
Arsenal looked dangerous in the first half, but despite all their chances going forward, they remained shaky at the back. After going into the break all square, Arteta's side were able to open the scoring early in the second half through Fabio Vieira.
As Arsenal camped on the edge of the Sporting box, a one-two between Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli saw the latter break into the box. The Brazilian squared the ball into the path of Vieira, and the midfielder drilled a powerful shot into the far corner to put the Gunners ahead.
Arsenal dominated most of the game but looked vulnerable at the back, and a misplaced pass by Rob Holding allowed the hosts to level the score, with Marcus Edwards intercepting the wayward ball and beating Matt Turner from close range. It was an unexpected setback for the Gunners, but they restored their lead moments later as Martinelli got on the scoresheet.
As Sporting played a high line they were dispossessed in midfield, and Granit Xhaka lifted a ball over the top of the Portuguese side's backline to send Martinelli through on goal. The Brazilian cut across his defender before curling his shot into the bottom corner of the net, making it 2-1 to Arsenal.
The Gunners looked set to take a 2-1 victory into the second leg as they led with one minute to go, but another defensive error saw the Portuguese side draw level in the 94th minute. As the Gunners held possession, a risky pass from William Saliba was intercepted by Manuel Ugarte, and the midfielder surged into the box.
After breezing past Saliba, the Uruguayan rifled his shot into the top corner of the net, and the first-leg ended even.
FIFA 23 predicted score: Sporting Lisbon 2-2 Arsenal
Here are the full-time match stats:
FIFA 23 predicts that Arsenal could leave Lisbon with the tie in the balance, drawing 2-2 in the simulation. Going forward, the Gunners were great, but they were lacking at the back, with their much-changed backline conceding two poor goals as they were pegged back twice.
What do you think the final score will be between Arsenal and Sporting Lisbon? Let us know in the comments.
READ NEXT:
Mikel Arteta handed fresh triple Arsenal injury blow ahead of Sporting CP Europa League clash
Arsenal's five toughest Premier League matches left as Man City battle continues
Arsenal wonderkids drafted in as Mikel Arteta is without senior stars for Sporting CP clash
Arsenal offered risky Premier League title-winning scenario ahead of Liverpool and Man City test
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
