Sporting CP boss Joao Pereira names 2 Arsenal players who could cause them issues in upcoming UCL clash
Sporting CP manager Joao Pereira has opened up about the threat of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli ahead of his side's clash against Arsenal. The two sides will face off at Estadio Jose Alvalade in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, November 26.
Sporting CP recently parted ways with manager Ruben Amorim as he joined Manchester United. They have now appointed Joao Pereira as their new manager. They hammered Amarante FC 6-0 at home in the Taca de Portugal in his first game in charge on the weekend.
The Portuguese side will now take on Arsenal in the Champions League on Tuesday. Ahead of the clash, Pereira said (via Metro):
"I feel comfortable and it’s a pleasure to be here. There is no way to hide it, the level of difficulty will increase, but I believe we are prepared.
"Everyone knows that Arsenal have seven points, they only have one goal conceded from the penalty spot, they are very strong defensively and for sure they will try to create problems up front, where they are very strong."
Pereira further spoke about the Gunners' stars, especially Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, saying:
"I was more concerned with our structure, Sporting also has great players, who are having a fantastic campaign and want to continue to give answers.
"Arsenal have great players, they are strong in one-on-one with Bukayo Saka and Martinelli and there is also the situation of their offensive tactical schemes, with many goals and chances."
Saka has scored just one goal in the Champions League this season but has registered five goals and eight assists in 16 games across competitions. Martinelli, meanwhile, has recorded three goals and three assists in 17 games, with just one assist coming in the UCL.
Arsenal star opens up about Viktor Gyokeres ahead of Sporting clash
The Gunners will face a Sporting side in terrific form this season, having won all 11 of their Liga Portugal fixtures. They are also unbeaten in the Champions League with three wins and one draw, including a 4-1 hammering of Manchester City last time out.
Much of their dominance has come from having Viktor Gyokeres, with the striker netting 24 goals and assisting four in 19 games across competitions. Ahead of the clash on Tuesday, Arsenal star David Raya said about facing Gyokeres (via Metro):
"We know his strengths, how he runs a lot in behind and scores a lot in one-v-one and he is a top player in form. We are going to try and keep him very, very quiet. Don’t give him any chances. We have to step up defensively. Hopefully, we can do a great job and keep a clean sheet."
Sporting are second in the Champions League table, two points behind leaders Liverpool, while Arsenal are 12th, a further three points behind.
