The Champions League is calling for Arsenal once again as they look to blast through the halfway point of the league phase.
Mikel Arteta has guided the Gunners to two wins, one draw and one defeat in those first four of eight games in the competition.
That leaves the north London outfit just outside of the top eight in the Champions League – which would guarantee an automatic place in the round of 16.
If Arsenal are to reach those latter stages, it could depend on their result against Sporting CP up next, with the Portuguese side sitting second in the table.
The home side have done so with a huge win over Manchester City, something that may now benefit the visitors.
Sporting CP boss makes Man City claim before Arsenal match
Heading into the clash with Arsenal, Sporting CP boss Joao Pereira has admitted that the pressure is off his side thanks to their victory over Man City last time out.
The Verde e Brancos smashed four goals past the Premier League champions, extending their unbeaten run in the Champions League this season.
Speaking ahead of the match, Pereira said on the outlook of the competition, via Mais Fuetbol: “It even takes the pressure off us a bit, because we won [against Man City], we got three more points, we go into this game with ten points and, therefore, we have a margin here to reach the play-off.
“We will play our games and in the end we will do the maths.
“Sporting’s objectives have remained the same since the beginning. That doesn’t change: we want to be in the play-offs. Now we are in second place and we are having a good campaign.”
It may take some of the edge off of Sporting in their hopes of pushing for a win, which could in turn help Arsenal.
If the Gunners are able to get that extra percentage or two over their opposition, then they could earn a huge result on their way towards qualification from the league phase.
Arsenal must beat Sporting CP for Champions League qualification hopes
After a defeat last time out, Arsenal cannot afford to slip again in the Champions League or risk a tough remaining three games ahead of them.
Two points currently separate the Gunners from the top eight, a gap that they can make up in four games but one that could stretch wider if the side slip.
In their past few matches against Sporting across all competitions, the matches have been tense and hard fought.
| Arsenal win | 2 |
| Draw | 3 |
| Sporting CP win | 1 |
It will require some big performances from key players, with quality to show in all phases of play, with all three points on offer.
It remains to be seen if they can take those points, but Man City may well have taken the pressure off the tie for Arsenal.
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