Arsenal look to be forming one of the most deadly strike partnerships in recent years with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
The duo have scored 12 goals between them in all competitions this season, as they look to be one of the biggest forces in England, and indeed Europe.
However, there remains a player behind them that is equally dependable for The Gunners, although sometimes forgotten, and that man is Danny Welbeck.
The England striker has been limited to just one Premier League start this season, but has been called upon frequently by manager Unai Emery in the Europa League.
Welbeck has started both of Arsenal’s European games this season, impressing in both displays. However, these have rarely earned him starts in the Premier League- although Emery did start him in the game immediately after their last Europa League match against Qarabag.
However, Sporting tonight offer a chance for Welbeck to make a serious impression on the manager against a respectable side. If the forward is able to put in a display that he is capable of, there is no reason why he cannot work his way into Emery’s starting XI more frequently in the Premier League.
In truth, however, it will be hard to usurp Aubameyang and Lacazette, but Welbeck has the chance to do his talking on the pitch tonight and he must take his chance.
Arsenal and Sporting are level on points in their Europa League group, and this will be their toughest game of the group stage. But if Arsenal come away from Portugal with points, it will put them in a very good position to win their group.
