Arsenal have been handed a difficult draw in the Europa League round of 16 but history shows it may not be as bad as first feared. The Gunners will face Portuguese side Sporting CP away from home in the first leg, before returning for the second leg at the Emirates Stadium.
The north Londoners advanced straight into the round of 16 stage after winning Group A ahead of PSV Eindhoven, Bodo/Glimt and FC Zurich prior to the World Cup. Arsenal are now only involved in the Europa League and Premier League, but have a good chance of winning both titles this season.
Mikel Arteta's side sit two points clear of Manchester City in the title race but face a slightly congested fixture list in March with the return of European action. Arsenal's rivals Manchester United also progressed into the round of 16 of the Europa League and should both teams qualify for the quarter-finals, it could set up an all English affair later in the competition.