Sporting CP XI vs Arsenal – Predicted lineup and team news

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The Football Faithful

·7. April 2026

Sporting CP XI vs Arsenal – Predicted lineup and team news

Sporting CP host Arsenal tonight, aiming to extend their historic home winning streak in the Champions League.

The Lions reached the quarter-finals after a stunning comeback against Bodø/Glimt in the previous round. Manager Rui Borges oversees a side currently four points off the top of the Primeira Liga.

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While Sporting have never beaten Arsenal in regulation time, they did eliminate the Gunners in 2023 — a result that will fuel belief in the home dressing room.

The hosts have won all five of their home European games this season. That formidable record, combined with the backing of a passionate home crowd, gives Borges’ side every reason to believe they can spring a surprise tonight.

Sporting CP team news

Borges heads into the tie without his influential captain. Morten Hjulmand is ruled out due to suspension, with Daniel Bragança expected to partner Hidemasa Morita in the heart of midfield.

Geovany Quenda and Luis Guilherme also remain sidelined through injury, further limiting Borges’ options. In defence, Gonçalo Inácio will be tasked with disrupting Arsenal’s attack, having recorded 41 line-breaking passes in the previous round.

Rui Silva will likely start in goal behind a defensive partnership of Ousmane Diomande and Inácio. Further forward, Francisco Trincão and Pedro Gonçalves will provide creative support from the flanks, with Luis Suárez leading the line.

The Brazilian striker needs just one more goal to equal the club record of six in a single European campaign — a milestone that could arrive on the biggest of occasions.