Former Arsenal player Alexander Hleb assessed the chances of the English team against Sporting in the last 16 of the Europa League.
Sporting is a very technical team with great traditions. I think these matches will be difficult. The chances are 50/50, but of course I consider Arsenal the favorite of this pair.
Alexander Hleb exclusively for Telecom Asia Sport
"There are some great teams in the Europa League now. You have to do your best against every opponent, that's the only way to get a good result", - Hleb told Telecomasia.net.
Earlier in the day, Arsenal finished first in their Europa League group ahead of PSV, Bodø/Glimt and Zurich to advance to the round of 16. Sporting finished third in the Champions League group stage and then beat Midtjylland on points in the Europa League playoffs.
The first leg of the last sixteen of the Europa League will be played on March 9, with the return leg on March 16.