Arsenal are looking to complete the job against Sporting CP in the Champions League quarter-final second leg on Wednesday, having secured a 1-0 victory in Lisbon last week. A win at the Emirates would set up a semi-final berth and provide a much-needed boost ahead of a crucial Premier League clash with Manchester City at the weekend.
Manager Mikel Arteta is under increasing scrutiny after Arsenal's previously commanding title lead was dented by a defeat to Bournemouth. With captain Martin Odegaard and forward Bukayo Saka among those missing from recent training, the squad's depth is being tested. Saka has not played since the Carabao Cup final in March.
Defender Gabriel has admitted that Arsenal's set-piece threat, which was a major weapon in the first half of the season, has become less effective as opponents adapt their marking. 'When I arrive in the box often there will be two players coming to mark me,' Gabriel told club media. 'But that opens up spaces for others.'
Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has warned that Arteta's job could be at risk if Arsenal end the season without a trophy. 'I think it changes the landscape and the way Arsenal fans will view him,' Sutton said on the Monday Night Club. 'He has been there long enough. They have to win either the Premier League or Champions League, or I think he will be a goner.'
