Nelson and Kiwior start: 4-3-3 Predicted team vs Sporting

Arsenal will have a tricky trip in the Europa League to take care of on Thursday night, as they face Sporting Lisbon in the round of 16 of the competition.

Mikel Arteta decided to make some key changes to his team on Saturday, as the Gunners escaped a major slip up in the Premier League title race by securing a last-gasp winner at home to Bournemouth.

The Arsenal boss has been reluctant to fully rotate his squad in the Europa League this campaign, and chances are a few key men may be in action again on Thursday.

However, considering the fact that fatigue often takes its toll on players at this vital stage of the season, coupled with our squad’s lack of depth, it would be risky for Arteta to opt against wholesale changes to his team against Sporting.

In goal, Turner should start, while Holding and Jamuary signing Kiwior pair up in defense for the first time. Tomiyasu – whose form has declined of late – and Tierney should be the full backs.

In midfield, Elneny’s absence and Partey’s poor injury record means Xhaka and Jorginho will have to be the duo. Risking Partey could be too costly, with a sizeable chunk of the season still left.

Vieira – another man whose performance will have to be much better than Saturday’s – should start in the number 10 role while the frontline must feature a couple of fringe players.

Smith-Rowe, a player in desperate need of match fitness, has to start along with Saturday’s hero Reiss Nelson.

With Trossard and Nketiah facing injury woes, Martinelli will have to be the man who starts upfront.

PREDICTED TEAM

Turner

Tomiyasu – Holding – Kiwior – Tierney

Xhaka – Jorginho

Vieira

Nelson – Martinelli – Smith-Rowe