Arsenal hero Eduardo delivers Mikel Arteta prediction for Europa League clash vs Sporting CP

Former Arsenal forward Eduardo has backed his old side to defeat Sporting CP in tonight's Europa League round of 16-second leg.

The north London outfit played out a 2-2 draw in the first leg in Lisbon, with William Saliba's first-half opener cancelled out by Goncalo Ignacio before Paulinho gave the home side the lead shortly after half-time. However, the score ended level when Japanese international Hidemasa Morita turned the ball into his own net following a Granit Xhaka cross.

Now, Gunners hero Eduardo has predicted Mikel Arteta's side to come out on top in the second leg whilst admitting that Arteta and co will be more focused on this weekend's league fixture against Crystal Palace. Speaking to Betway, the ex-Croatian international said: "I think he (Arteta) will rotate against Sporting Lisbon.

"I’d think he will focus more on Crystal Palace. I think everyone will agree Premier League is the priority, although of course they need to focus on Europa League.

"Hopefully it’s still a strong team and they come out and win, though. I think Arsenal will win 2-0."

A win would book Arsenal a place in the quarter-finals, where the likes of Manchester United, Juventus and AS Roma could be depending on their respective results this evening.