Mikel Arteta faces the media ahead of Arsenal's clash with Sporting CP at the Jose Alvalade Stadium. The Gunners are coming off the back of two very tricky results against Manchester City and Southampton, taking the number of competitions they’re involved in from four to two.
The mood is perhaps at its lowest for some time, and there is growing pressure surrounding the European and Premier League hopes. Arteta needs to get results in these next four games, with away and home legs against the Portuguese champions, with domestic fixtures versus Bournemouth and Manchester City coming up too.
There are still some players in doubt as Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Jurrien Timber were not spotted in training, however, Gabriel Magalhaes, Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard all were. Arteta is sure to be asked for the latest on team news shortly.
Updates from the Arsenal manager to follow in our **football.london** live blog...
18:09Tom Canton
Well I was talking about making a dream reality. We have to open our path inidivdually and collectively above all. We want to make history for a team like Sporting CP.
18:08Tom Canton
Well I think that he is doing well, scoring a lot of goals. I am very happy for him and for what he has achieved with Sweden too. I wish him all the best, that's it.
18:06Tom Canton
Well both players are very good and among the best in the world and it is a privilege to play against them and I am prepared for it.
18:04Tom Canton
The group was very happy for him. He did great things for Sporting and we are all very happy because he deserved it.
No I have not exchanged messages with him but maybe other colleagues have.
18:03Tom Canton
There are no favourites in this play-off. They are playing well, we are too.
Hjulmand is a key player but we have other excellent midfielders. We have won other matches without certain key players.
18:02Tom Canton
We are prepared, we are in a good moment and I think we can look at ourselves.
Tom Canton
Hello and welcome to **football.london's** coverage of Mikel Arteta's pre-match press conference.
Our Arsenal reporter **Tom Canton** is in attendance to bring all the latest updates. Quotes to follow...