Ladbrokes previews Arsenal vs Sporting in the Champions League quarter-final
Arsenal backed to win and progress to UCL semi-finals for second time since 2009
Kai Havertz expected to impress again, with Morten Hjulmand picking up a card
Ladbrokes brings you an in-depth match preview for Arsenal vs Sporting including predictions, lineups and expert bet builder tips.
A third defeat in four games on Saturday has raised huge questions regarding Arsenal's nerve, and with the Gunners now only second-favourites to win the Champions League, progression through to the semi-finals will do Mikel Arteta and his side the world of good - but Sporting won't make it easy.
To go along with our predicted scoreline, the first leg of our Arsenal vs Sporting bet builder is for both teams to score, with Arsenal failing to keep a Champions League clean sheet for the first time in three attempts.
When it comes to the UCL, Arsenal always score, but the damage done to the Gunners' confidence in Saturday's Premier League defeat to Bournemouth may well cause some extra nerves at the Emirates - and with Sporting scoring 73 goals in just 28 Liga Portugal matches this term, their forward threat is clear to see.
Almost 64% of Sporting's Champions League games this season have featured goals for both sides, and while Arsenal's matches tend to be less action-packed, we think Sporting's attacking intent will see them breach the Gunners' backline - so we're tipping BTTS here.
Kai Havertz to have 1+ shots on target
Kai Havertz was the Arsenal hero in Lisbon, with his stoppage-time winner ensuring the Gunners carry a slender advantage into the second leg of this quarter-final - and we're backing him to cause problems again, with at least one shot on target.
The German has been occupying the space behind Viktor Gyokeres in recent weeks, drifting into dangerous areas and causing havoc for defences - as we saw with his goal at the Estadio Jose Alvalade last time out.
Three goals in just four Champions League games shows the threat that Kai Havertz carries, and with the 26-year-old averaging roughly a shot on target per 90 in the UCL, his willingness to test the keeper is evident - so we're backing Havertz to have 1+ shots on target against Sporting.
Morten Hjulmand to be shown a card
Morten Hjulmand didn't play any part in his side's first-leg defeat last week due to suspension, but having played every minute at the weekend, the Sporting skipper is back and likely to start in midfield - and we're tipping him to pick up another card.
The Dane was booked in both legs of Sporting's dramatic last-16 victory over Bodo/Glimt, meaning he missed the visit of Arsenal, and has been carded in four of his last seven matches across all competitions. Five yellow cards in the Champions League alone this term actually have him leading the way as the competition's most booked player.
Two tackles per game and well over a foul per 90 in the Champions League are telling stats, and on a night where he's likely to have a fair bit of defending to do, he seems a smart pick here - so a Hjulmand card is in our bet builder.
Arsenal to win at home to Sporting CP
Rounding off our Arsenal vs Sporting preview and predictions, we're backing the Gunners to secure a narrow home win and progress to the Champions League semi-finals for just the second time since 2009.
Arteta's side are still yet to lose a single game in this season's competition, and despite losing all three of their last matches on the domestic front, their European exploits have continued to impress - with last week's victory condemning Sporting to a home defeat for the first time since January.
Arsenal have a point to prove now, with two domestic trophies off the table and their grip on the Premier League loosening massively, so the magnitude of this game can't be underestimated - and while tensions will be high, we're backing the hosts to get over the line.
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When is Arsenal vs Sporting?
Arsenal vs Sporting takes place on Wednesday, 15 April, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 BST.
Where can I watch Arsenal vs Sporting?
Arsenal vs Sporting will be shown live on TNT Sports and HBO Max for UK viewers.
Can you bet on Arsenal vs Sporting?
Ladbrokes are offering customers the chance to bet on a number of Arsenal vs Sporting markets, including match result, both teams to score and goalscorers.
