Sporting vs Arsenal betting tips, predictions and expected line-up

By James Walters

Sporting CP state of play

Sporting are in sensational form with the Portuguese side winning all 11 of their league games, scoring 39 times and conceding just five goals.

They've also had success in the Champions League and Sporting find themselves second in the new league table after winning three and drawing one of their four games, including an impressive 4-1 demolition of Manchester City.

Sporting are adjusting to life without Ruben Amorim after he left for Manchester United. But Joao Pereira won his first game in charge 6-0 on Friday night, albeit against third-division side Amarante in the Taça de Portugal.

Arsenal state of play

While Arsenal have the superior squad on paper, Mikel Arteta's side will be well aware of Sporting's threat.

The Gunners beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 in the Premier League on Saturday, however, they'd won just two of their previous seven games - against Shakhtar Donetsk and Preston - before the victory against Forest.

Arsenal lost 1-0 at Inter Milan in their last Champions League outing, however, they had won two and drawn one of their first three games.

Key talking point: Gyökeres crucial to how Tuesday’s clash goes

The international break may have come at the perfect time for Arsenal and they looked better against Forest, however, there's value in siding with Sporting.

They've lost Amorim but the players will be confident of continuing their remarkable start to the season. Sporting have scored 39 times in the Primeira Liga which is an average of 3.5 goals per outing.

Their success has translated to the Champions League. They've netted nine times in four games and they'll fancy their chances of adding to that tally, especially with star man Viktor Gyokeres up top.

Gyökeres has netted 33 times for club and country this season including a hat-trick against Man City. He’ll be hungry to add to his five Champions League goals so far this campaign.

FIRST’s top tip for Sporting vs Arsenal

Sporting draw no bet at 29/25 (2.16) with Mr.Play

We wouldn’t put you off backing the home side to win, however, Sporting ‘draw no bet’ seems a value pick.

They’ve won their last nine games while scoring 31 goals and we have the added safety net of the bet being voided and our stake returned if the match finishes level.

Extra tips

Viktor Gyökeres to score anytime at 143/100 (2.43) with Mr.Play

Sweden striker Gyökeres has been a goal machine this season and he’ll be keen to impress against Premier League opposition once again.

Both teams to score at 59/100 (1.59) with Mr.Play

Has landed in four of Sporting’s last five games and we know about Arsenal’s quality.

Correct Score: 2-1 at 173/20 (9.65) with Mr.Play

A small stakes play considering Arsenal’s last two Champions League games have been decided by one goal.

Team news

Arsenal will only be without Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney through injury. Kai Havertz and Declan Rice will return to the starting XI after being rested at the weekend.

Sporting, meanwhile, are only without Nuno Santos and Pedro Goncalves.