Sporting vs Arsenal preview: Betting tips, odds and free bets (Champions League predictions)

ARSENAL head to Portugal for tonight’s Champions League quarter-final showdown with Sporting at the Jose Alvalade Stadium.

SunSport’s betting experts have previewed the clash and picked out the best betting tips, odds and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading bookmaker partners.

New customers can also claim some of the best football betting sign-up offers and free bets currently available from our bookmaker partners below.

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Sporting vs Arsenal preview

Arsenal are back in cup competition having seen their hopes of a historic quadruple go up in flames.

The Gunners were beaten 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final, and things did not improve after the international break, with an FA Cup exit at Championship side Southampton.

Now Mikel Arteta will hope his side can reset for tonight’s Champions League quarter-final first leg in Lisbon.

They remain favourites to lift the trophy in May at the Puskas Arena, but history suggests this will be a tough assignment.

Arsenal have been eliminated from five of their eight Champions League quarter-final ties, and they have never won away against Portuguese opposition in the knockout stages of a major European competition, drawing four and losing two.

Sporting CP, meanwhile, have won all five of their home games in the Champions League this season, the longest such run by a Portuguese side in the competition.

But there are reasons to be optimistic.

Arteta has confirmed that Declan Rice and Gabriel are available, despite the latter’s injury scare at the weekend.

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Sporting have also never beaten Arsenal in seven meetings, drawing four and losing three, including a 5-1 defeat at home in last season’s Champions League.

As for Sporting, they arrive on a three-match winning run, scoring 13 goals, including a 5-0 thrashing of Bodo Glimt to reach this stage.

They have also won each of their last nine at home, including a 2-1 victory over reigning Champions League holders Paris Saint Germain, as well as title rivals Porto.

Sporting vs Arsenal odds

Sporting 16/5 with bet365

Draw 27/10 with Paddy Power

Arsenal 5/6 with Betfred

Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Sporting vs Arsenal tips and betting predictions

Tip 1: Sporting or draw

We are backing Sporting CP double chance tonight, with the win or draw priced at 10/11 with Betfair.

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As mentioned, Rui Borges’ side are formidable at home, winning each of their last nine, scoring 24 goals and keeping five clean sheets.

That is not ideal for an Arsenal side beaten in each of their last two matches, and who have never won away against Portuguese opposition in the knockout stages of a major European competition, drawing four and losing two.

Bet: Sporting CP double chance at 10/11 with Betfair

Tip 2: Luis Suarez to score

We are also backing Sporting talisman Luis Suarez to get on the scoresheet, priced at 15/8 with bet365.

The Colombian, 28, has scored 33 goals in 42 appearances for Sporting this season, with eight coming in his last eight starts.

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He has also netted five times in the Champions League this term and could equal the club record for most goals in a single European Cup or Champions League campaign, currently held by Viktor Gyokeres.

Bet: Luis Suarez to score at 15/8 with bet365

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