Sporting CP manager Rui Borges is confident of beating Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final second leg, but he is aware of the Gunners’ strengths.
Mikel Arteta’s men are 1-0 up from the first leg thanks to a very late Kai Havertz goal at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
That makes Arsenal the favourites, but the likes of Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori all missed training on Tuesday.
Borges dismisses injury advantage claim
Borges was asked about the advantage his side will have if Arsenal’s superstars are absent, but he shut that down immediately.
He said, as per A Bola: “Arsenal have three great players for some positions, not two. That doesn’t even make sense to me.
Injuries have been an issue for Arsenal all season, and things have gone from bad to worse in recent weeks.
Saka hasn’t played since the Carabao Cup final defeat, while Rice has missed games too due to issues. Odegaard’s terrible injury luck has continued, and his knee troubles are not going away.
A few people in Portugal believe Sporting could have an advantage on Wednesday if Rice and Odegaard are ruled out.
Sporting CP’s confidence in set-piece duels
Borges said, “Regarding set pieces, we’re talking about a great team, but they haven’t scored from them in a few games. They’re the team in Europe with the most goals from set pieces, of course, that doesn’t diminish their competence.
“It’s not that it’s an extraordinary skill, but in 10 attempts, they score 10 times in the places the coach asks, and then they have six or seven athletically very strong players. Set pieces are a duel, and that makes them very strong.
“Regardless of who plays, they are extremely strong in that aspect. I always try to value my players, and we have also been very strong in offensive and defensive set pieces. Very confident in our team’s ability.”
Arsenal’s season hangs in the balance
Arsenal’s season is hanging in the balance, and this week could decide everything.
The Gunners need to hold on to their lead to go through to the semi-finals of the Champions League, and many feel they just cannot lose to Manchester City on Sunday if they want to win the Premier League.
All eyes are already on the clash at the Etihad Stadium, but before that, Arsenal need to produce a performance and result against Sporting that will make everyone forget about their three domestic defeats.
A convincing win will also give Arteta’s men the confidence they need to get a result against City, where a win will almost guarantee the Premier League title.
It remains to be seen how they will get on against Sporting on Wednesday night.