Europa League Last-16, first leg result: William Saliba and a Morita own goal earn Arsenal a draw against Sporting CP at the Estadio Jose Alvalade

Pedro Goncalves surges free in the left channel after simple long ball over the top. He sprints into the area, cuts inside but then fluffs his line with a curler towards the far corner that flies well wide.

There's not much happening in the first few moments of this one.

Infact, it could be a good time to check out this short video of former Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger talking about his highs and lows with the Gunners.

Sporting's 27 UEFA fixtures against English clubs have resulted in 10 wins and 11 defeats.

Eight of the victories came at home including a 2-0 success against Tottenham on Matchday 2 of this season's UEFA Champions League. 

The referee is Tobias Stieler from Germany. His compatriot Bastian Dankert heads up VAR. 

Arsenal get us underway.

The Gunners have not lost against Portuguese sides in the EL, winning three and drawing three.

And that's not all...

Mikel Arteta's men have never conceded against Sporting CP in four previous encounters and, more recently, have kept four shut outs in their last five EL matches overall.

The hosts will operate in a 3-4-3 system with the team pretty much as expected with the exception of the absence of former Arsenal star Hector Bellerin.

The Spaniard sustained a knee injury in Wednesday's training session and therefore misses out on a reunion with his former club. Egaio comes in for the home side.

Former Spurs starlet Marcus Edwards will support Francisco Trincao and Paulinho in attack.

"If you play for Arsenal you need to go into any competition to win. That’s our mentality. It’s Sporting now and we’re going there to win.”

He added: “It’s up to Mikel (Arteta) - wherever he decides to play me, I’ll play. If the team need me I’d play as a goalkeeper! We play for Arsenal and everyone has this responsibility.”

"I don't see Arsenal as our worst possible opponents. This is a great match to play. Arsenal are top of the Premier League and we want to measure ourselves against the top sides in Europe."

"Our priority is the two competitions. Obviously we have to earn the right to continue in this competition to get as far as we want, and we're going to face a really difficult opponent. The best way to prepare for any competition is to win the previous match and having the confidence and the proper emotion to approach the next game.

"If we play well and we are able to win the game, that will better prepare us for the next game."

Here'swhat the Gunners boss had to say about such gossip...

"Arsenal are out of this world and we well know the spirit in their camp. They are eager to win every match and that's why they've been able to win right at the death. You saw how they celebrated the victories. We are up against an Arsenal side in great shape and we know it will be very difficult."

Mikel Arteta has made several alterations to the side that came back to beat Bournemouth in dramatic fashion at the weekend.

Reiss Nelson is rewarded for his winner with a first start since November while Polish defender Jakub Kiwior makes his full debut for the club.

Goalkeeper Matt Turner gets another run-out in Europe with Granit Xhaka, Jorginho and Ben White also featuring from the off.

There is no place for Gabriel Jesus in the squad despite whispers he could be involved after returning to training following injury.

CONFIRMED STARTING XIs – SPORTING CP: Adan, St Juste, Coates, Inacio, Esgaio, Morita, Goncalves, Reis, Trincao, Edwards, Paulinho. /// ARSENAL: Turner, White, Saliba, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Xhaka, Jorginho, Saka, Vieira, Nelson, Martinelli.

GOOD EVENING

Hello and welcome to LIVE updates of the first leg of the Europa League Round of 16 clash between Sporting Lisbon and Arsenal at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

Kick off 17.45 GMT.