The predicted Arsenal team to start against Sporting CP in the second leg of the quarter-final of the UEFA Champions League.
06:00, 15 Apr 2026
Declan Rice could be rested by Mikel Arteta for Arsenal against Sporting CP
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Declan Rice could be rested by Mikel Arteta for Arsenal against Sporting CP(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Arsenal take on Sporting CP in the Champions League, as they hope to respond to the horrendous defeat to Bournemouth at the weekend. The mood has hit a real low point, and now everyone needs a reaction from the team.
There is no doubt that the bigger game looms on Sunday with a trip to Manchester City to come. But the job at hand is the one Mikel Arteta is keenest to address first and leave the weekend in the back of his mind.
But he will do so without several of his first-team squad, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber, Martin Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori all missed training. In their stead, several others will need to step up.
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Here is who we predict will start:
David Raya
The Spaniard had a bit of a nightmare at the weekend and needs to restore calm and confidence at the back for his defenders.
Cristhian Mosquera
Ben White has played so much football, and the back four lacks some balance. It might be that we see Mosquera, therefore, come in to play the right-back role.
William Saliba
As a player, the Frenchman has to use the technical ability everyone knows he has to bring the calm that has been so lacking.
Gabriel Magalhaes
It is about time the Brazilian became a threat from set pieces again. He has to be a threat again, in both boxes.
Myles Lewis-Skelly
I think Piero Hincapie needs to be given some minutes ahead of the weekend but it would be too much to start him.
Christian Norgaard
With Declan Rice not in training, we have to assume that he will not be ready to start, meaning that the midfield base joins Norgaard with a new partner.
Martin Zubimendi
The Spaniard… my word, what has happened to him? Too many minutes certainly, but now it is a case of who do you start if not him, with Kai Havertz looking so poor as a midfield pick?
Eberechi Eze
If there is one player who can show up in big games, it is this man, and many know his record from March to May, which helped his former club to their first trophy ever.
Noni Madueke
The winger had a rather poor game at the weekend but with so few options, it is difficult who else would start besides 16-year-old Max Dowman
Viktor Gyokeres
Kai Havertz seems to be the likelier starter at Manchester City on the weekend and therefore Viktor Gyokeres starts on Wednesday night.
Leandro Trossard
Gabriel Martinelli just seems much better from the bench, and therefore, that is where he sits for this one.
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