We simulated Arsenal vs Sporting CP to get a Europa League score prediction
Arsenal have a chance to secure their place in the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday night when they take on Sporting CP.
Arsenal managed a 2-2 draw with Sporting in a thrilling first leg in Portugal last week. The Gunners relied on an own goal to return to north London with an equal draw. But Mikel Arteta’s side have lost just twice at home in all competitions this season, a factor that could come into play.
Spirits remain high in the Arsenal camp as they head into the clash after a 3-0 win over Fulham in the Premier League, leaving the Gunners at the top of the Premier League table. And Gabriel Jesus returned to the Arsenal squad after a long lay-off through injury in what was a big boost for Arteta ahead of the Sporting game.
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So, could Arsenal book their place in the quarter-finals? We simulated the game to find out.
We simulated Arsenal vs Sporting CP to get a score prediction
To complete this simulation we used FIFA 23 and updated the teams with the latest injuries and suspensions.
We predict that Arsenal could be set up in a 4-3-3 formation with the following line-up: Turner, Tomiyasu, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney, Partey, Xhaka, Odegaard, Saka, Jesus, Nelson.
We predict that the visitors could line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation as follows: Adam; Diomande, Coates, Inácio; Esgaio, Goncalves, Ugarte, Santos; Trincao, Edwards; Paulinho.
Arsenal got off to the worst possible start at the Emirates, as the visitors took the lead after just seven minutes when Sebastian Coates headed a corner kick into the bottom corner from just yards out. The Gunners now had to come from behind if they were to progress in the competition and they equalized through Martin Odegaard just before the break.
As the midfielder gained possession just outside the penalty area, Odegaard charged forward with the ball and played a one-two with Jesus as he neared the touchline. Instead of a cross, the Norwegian drilled a fantastic shot over the goal, spin on the ball curling his shot into the far corner to equalize.
Arsenal took control in the second half and Sporting struggled to contain the Gunners’ attack as Jesus and Bukayo Saka closed in. Gabriel Martinelli came on from the bench in the 67th minute and the Brazilian played a huge role as Arsenal took the lead moments later.
On the left, Martinelli duped his opponent before entering the area and, after drawing in several defenders, the striker passed the ball to Odegaard. The Norwegian played a pass down Jesus’ run for the first time and the Brazilian opened his body before making his shot past the near post, past the keeper to make it 2-1.
A third would all but ensure the Gunners victory and it almost came from an unlikely source in the 75th minute when Takehiro Tomiyasu shook the post with a long-range shot. Nerves began to beat as the game neared the closing stages, but a mistake by the visitors allowed Arteta’s side to claim a third place and confirm their place in the next round.
The Sporting keeper played a short pass to Coates to the edge of his own box but Leandro Trossard recognized the situation and sliced in front of the defender to win the ball in a dangerous area. The ball bounced into the penalty area and the Belgian gave the keeper no chance as he slammed a half-volley into the net to make it 3-1 and 5-3 on aggregate in the evening.
Predicted FIFA 23 Final Score: Arsenal 3-1 Sporting CP (Arsenal win 5-3 on aggregate)
FIFA 23 predicts that Arsenal could reach the Europa League Quarterfinals and beat Sporting CP 3-1 in the simulation. From a goal deficit, the Gunners’ attacking threat proved too much for the visitors, a factor Arteta hopes will apply on Thursday.
What do you think the end result will look like? Let us know in the comments!
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