Arsenal vs Sporting CP prediction 15.04.2026 | Champions League

Arsenal return to the Emirates Stadium after a disastrous 2:1 home defeat against Bournemouth put a major dent in their Premier League title hopes. Alex Scott’s second-half goal secured a deserved win the Cherries.

Ponderous and nervous for much of the contest, the Gunners struggled to create chances as they slipped to a third defeat in four matches.

Still, a return to this competition should serve Mikel Arteta’s men well. The Londoners won each of five home UCL games this season, with 14 goals scored across those five fixtures.

Now looking to secure their spot in the semi-finals, a response should be expected in what could prove a high-scoring encounter. Arsenal have seen over 2.5 goals land in three of their last four Champions League game at the Emirates.

Head coach Arteta is likely to make some changes to his selection on Wednesday. The Gunners boss remains unable to call on Mikel Merino, who is ruled out through injury, while Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber, Martin Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori face late fitness tests.

Sporting CP come into Wednesday’s Champions League encounter after a narrow 1:0 win against CF Estrela Amadora in the Liga Portugal Betclic last weekend. Daniel Bragança’s second-half goal secured a well-deserved road victory.

Rui Borge’s side now head to London looking to overturn a one-goal deficit from last week’s 1:0 defeat against the Gunners. Kai Havertz’s stoppage-time strike ensured a difficult return leg for the Portuguese champions. 

High-scoring outcomes have been a recurring theme in Sporting CP’s UCL matches this season, particularly in away fixtures. Each of their last five continental trips finished with over 2.5 goals scored.

Head coach Borges has three injury concerns this week. Fotis Ioannidis and Nuno Santos are ruled out with MCL and thigh injuries respectively, while Luis Guilherme is a doubt ahead of this fixture.