Top News

UCL 2026: Sporting CP vs Arsenal Final Team News, Injury Updates — Who Will Win The First Leg At The José Alvalade?

Samira Vishwas | April 8, 2026 11:24 AM CST

252

The José Alvalade Stadium is set to host a high-octane encounter as Sporting CP welcomes Arsenal for the UEFA Champions League 2026 quarter-final first leg on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Mikel Arteta’s side arrives in Lisbon as one of the tournament favourites, having won nine of their ten matches in this campaign. However, the Gunners face a daunting task against a Sporting side that has won all five of their home Champions League fixtures this season. Both managers are dealing with critical squad issues that could significantly impact the tactical battle in this opening leg.

UCL 2026: Sporting CP vs Arsenal

Match	Sporting CP vs Arsenal, UCL Quarter-final (1st Leg)
Date	Tuesday, April 7, 2026 (April 8 in India)
Kick-off Time	12:30 AM IST (April 8) / 8:00 PM local time (April 7)
Venue	José Alvalade Stadium, Lisbon
Tournament	UEFA Champions League 2025–26
Head Coach (SCP)	Reuben Amorim
Head Coach (ARS)	Mikel Arteta

Arsenal Injury Updates Champions League: Bukayo Saka And Jurrien Timber Ruled Out

The latest Arsenal injury updates in the Champions League have brought grim news for the North London fans. Key winger Bukayo Saka and defender Jurrien Timber did not travel with the squad to Lisbon and are officially ruled out of the first leg. Furthermore, the Gunners remain without Mikel Merino, Piero Hincapiéand God bless yousignificantly thinning Arteta’s options in midfield and defence. There is a slight silver lining as Declan Rice has returned to training and is expected to start. All eyes will be on Viktor Gyökereswho returns to his former club, leading the line for Arsenal, hoping to exploit any gaps in the Portuguese defence.

Sporting CP Team News: Captain Morten Hjulmand Sidelined By Suspension

For Sporting CPthe biggest tactical blow is the absence of captain Morten Hjulmandwho is suspended for the first leg due to an accumulation of yellow cards. His presence in the defensive midfield has been vital to Sporting’s unbeaten home run. Additionally, the hosts are missing striker Fotis Ioannidis (knee) and long-term absentee Nuno Santos (hamstring). However, the creative burden will be carried by Pedro Gonçalves and Trincaowhile Luis Suarez remains their most dangerous goal threat in Europe this season. Sporting’s resilience at the José Alvalade has been their cornerstone, having recently overturned a three-goal deficit against Bodø/Glimt.

Sporting CP vs Arsenal Predicted Lineups

Mikel Arteta is expected to rely on a disciplined defensive structure to neutralise Sporting’s home aggression, while Ruben Amorim will look to exploit the absence of Saka on the flanks.

Sporting CP Predicted XI: Rui Silva (GK); Vagiannidis, Ousmane Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio, Ricardo Mangas; Daniel Bragança, Hidemasa Morita; Geny Catamo, Francisco Trincão, Pedro Gonçalves; Luis Suarez.
Arsenal Predicted XI: David Raya (GK); Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Riccardo Calafiori; Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard; Gabriel Martinelli, Victor Gyökeres, Noni Madueke.

Champions League Winner Prediction Today: Sporting CP vs Arsenal – Who Will Win Today?

This first leg is expected to be a cagey affair. While Arsenal holds a superior head-to-head record (unbeaten in seven UEFA meetings against Sporting), the Portuguese champions have turned their home ground into a fortress. Arsenal’s defensive record this season is the best in the competition, but the loss of Saka’s creative spark is a major factor. Sporting will be desperate to take a lead to London. A tightly contested 1-1 draw or a narrow 1-0 win for Arsenal is the most authentic prediction for tonight.