Arsenal are set to take on Sporting Lisbon in Portugal in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.
Despite the fact that this matchup seems unique, it will actually be the fifth time the two teams have faced each other in European competition, with the Gunners remaining undefeated and having not conceded a goal in the previous four meetings.
The two sides met twice in the Europa League during the 2018-19 season when they were drawn in Group E. Arsenal came out on top, taking four points across the two meetings and finishing top of the group. However, their Europa League campaign ultimately ended in disappointment with a 4-1 loss to Chelsea in the final.
Since their last meeting, both sides have undergone significant changes, and Arsenal has cracked the top 10 in the Opta Power Rankings, reaching the No. 9 spot globally.
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This shows the impressive progress that Mikel Arteta’s team has made this season. On the other hand, Sporting CP ranks at No. 44 and is the third-best team in Portugal behind Porto and Benfica.
Although Arsenal is the favorite to progress over the two legs, there are reasons for the team to be cautious. Firstly, their record in Europe away to Portuguese sides is poor, having only won one of their nine away matches in Portugal.
Secondly, Sporting Lisbon has progressed from each of their previous six ties against English sides in the knockout stages of the UEFA Cup/Europa League, with all six coming against different teams.
The last time these two teams met was back in 2018 in the group stage of the Europa League, where they played out a goalless draw at the Emirates.
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After winning their opening three Europa League games in the 2018-19 season, former Arsenal boss Unai Emery made nine changes to his side, indicating the significant rebuilding that has occurred in the squad since then.
Arsenal finished top of their Europa League group, winning five out of six games and conceding just three goals in the process.
The Gunners have kept a clean sheet in four of their last five games in the UEFA Europa League, and their solid defense helped them stroll through the group stage.
Sporting Lisbon comes into this tie in fine form, having won their last four games in all competitions, including an impressive 4-0 away win at FC Midtjylland in the second leg of their Europa League playoff game.
Overall, it promises to be an exciting and intriguing clash between two teams who have made impressive progress this season.
