Champions League 2025-2026: Sporting-Arsenal, the likely lineups

At 9 p.m. at Lisbon’s Estádio José Alvalade, the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals is staged. Sporting hosts Arsenal in a match that represents not only a quarterfinal challenge, but more importantly the return of Viktor Gyokeres to his former soccer home. The Swedish bomber, author of no less than 97 goals in 102 appearances in the Leoes’ jersey, returns to the Lisbon turf for the first time as an opponent, now leading the attack of Mikel Arteta’s Gunners.

Rui Borges’ Sporting comes to this fixture on the wings of enthusiasm after the incredible comeback in the round of 16 against Bodo Glimt, demonstrating a steely character in front of their own public. Opposite, however, is an Arsenal that is traveling at an impressive speed this year: first in the Premier League and intent on taking the top spot in Europe as well. With the heavy absence of Hjulmand among the Portuguese and Saka for the English, an open-faced contest is expected to see who can advance to the semifinals ahead of the return leg in London next week.

Coach Rui Borges has to deal with the absence of the disqualified Hjulmand. The surprise move is the advancement of Debast in the midfield alongside Morita to give the department more physicality. In defense, in front of Rui Silva, Diomandé and Inácio will act, with former Torino man Fresneda and Araújo on the outside lanes. Up front, the weight of the attack is given to Luis Suárez, supported by the quality of the Catamo-Trincao-Pedro Gonçalves trio.

Arteta arrives in Portugal with a very heavy absence, Bukayo Saka did not travel with the team due to a blow suffered in training. Arteta must also do without Timber and Hincapié, but recovers Gabriel in the center of defense paired with Saliba, while Calafiori will be on the left. In midfield, the Rice-Zubimendi pair provides balance, allowing Odegaard to invent in the three-quarter. Without the injured Saka, room for Madueke and Trossard on the outsides, ready to serve the big former Gyokeres.

The probable lineups

SPORTING LISBONA (4-2-3-1): Rui Silva; Fresneda, Diomandè, Inacio, Araujo; Debast, Morita; Catamo, Trincao, P. Goncalves; Suarez. All. Borges.

ARSENAL (4-2-3-1): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi; Madueke, Odegaard, Trossard; Gyokeres. All. Arteta.