The Premier League title race takes a backseat this week as Arsenal and Sporting Lisbon face off in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie.
The Gunners have been in fine form in the league this season, currently sitting in fourth place and just four points off the top of the table. However, they will be looking to put their domestic form to one side as they take on the Portuguese side in the first leg of their Europa League tie.
Arsenal have been in good form in the competition so far, having won all four of their group stage matches. They have also been impressive in the knockout stages, beating BATE Borisov and Rennes in the previous rounds.
Sporting, meanwhile, have also been impressive in the competition, having won their group and then beating Viktoria Plzen in the last 32. They will be looking to continue their good form against the Gunners and progress to the quarter-finals.
The first leg of the tie will take place at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday night, with the return leg taking place in Lisbon the following week.
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on BT Sport 2, with coverage starting at 7.30pm. It will also be available to stream live on the BT Sport app.
Arsenal will be looking to make the most of their home advantage in the first leg and take a lead into the second leg. However, Sporting will be no pushovers and will be looking to cause an upset and progress to the quarter-finals.
It promises to be an intriguing tie between two sides who have been in good form in the competition so far. The Gunners will be hoping to take a lead into the second leg and progress to the quarter-finals, while Sporting will be looking to cause an upset and progress to the last eight.
