It's all to play for on Thursday as Arsenal vs Sporting CP in the second leg of their Europa League last 16 clash.

Match Details:

• Location: London, England
• Stadium: Emirates Stadium
• Date: Thursday 16 March
• Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT / 16:00 ET / 13:00 PT
• Referee: Antonio Mateu Lahoz (ESP)
• VAR: Massimiliano Irrati (ITA)

Arsenal vs Sporting CP: Match Preview:

Last week's meeting between these two in Portugal ended 2-2 and so, with no away goals these days, it's a real winner-takes-all affair as two of Europe's most famous sides battle for a spot in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Arsenal head into this one having thumped Fulham 3-0 last time out, but Sporting are full of confidence themselves after matching that scoreline at home to Boavista.

This time tomorrow 👊 pic.twitter.com/kqwmjfzvHh

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 15, 2023

Team News:

Arsenal:

Mikel Arteta will likely continue his European rotation that will see the likes of Fabio Vieira and Takehiro Tomiyasu return to Arsenal's starting lineup, although the boss may keep more of his starters around in anticipation of a tricky game. With Crystal Palace on the cards at the weekend, it's a risk he can afford to take.

In terms of fitness issues, Eddie Nketiah's ankle injury continues to be problematic and Mohamed Elneny is also out for the season.

Two days to go. @EuropaLeague ✨ pic.twitter.com/MwKrGGyDa8

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 14, 2023

Arteta had ruled both Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus out of the Fulham game, only for both players to feature – the former even started – so the Spaniard's team updates evidently must be taken with a pinch of salt.

Sporting CP:

Midfielder Hidemasa Morita, who scored the own goal last week, will not get the chance to atone for his mistake as he is suspended. But his place in midfield will instead be taken by the returning Manuel Ugarte, whose own ban is now over.

Conferência de imprensa de antevisão ao #ARSSCP da #UEL ⚽

📺 Em 𝗗𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗢 👉 https://t.co/iL6wYqwXRY pic.twitter.com/hhUfFa11Wp

— Sporting CP (@SportingCP) March 15, 2023

Centre-back Sebastian Coates is also suspended, while former Gunner Hector Bellerin will likely be denied a reunion because of a knee injury.

Arsenal vs Sporting CP: Head to Head:

• The two teams have met five times thus far, with three meetings taking place in the Europa League. Arsenal have enjoyed an unbeaten run against the visitors, winning twice and drawing the remaining three games.
• Sporting scored for the first time against Arsenal in the first leg.
• Three of the five meetings between the two teams have produced under 2.5 goals.
• Both teams have endured identical results in their last six games across all competitions, recording five wins in that period and playing out a draw.

Predicted Line-ups:

Arsenal predicted lineup (4-3-3): Turner; Tomiyasu, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Jorginho, Partey, Vieira; Saka, Trossard, Smith Rowe.

Sporting CP predicted lineup (3-4-3): Adan; St. Juste, Inacio, Reis; Esgaio, Ugarte, Goncalves, Santos; Edwards, Paulinho, Trincao.

ARS vs SCP: Fantasy XI

Adan; Inacio, Tomiyasu, Saliba, Jorginho, Partey, Goncalves, Saka, Trossard, Smith Rowe, Paulinho.

Hello and welcome to the Manchester United vs Arsenal Premier League 2025/26 LIVE Blog!

Today, we bring you all the action from Old Trafford as these two English football giants clash in the season opener. Manchester United, coming off a difficult 15th-place finish last season, are eager to turn things around with a refreshed squad featuring exciting new signings.

Meanwhile, Arsenal enter the match with high hopes of ending their consecutive runner-up streak and finally capturing the Premier League title, bolstered by key additions to their lineup.

Read Also: Premier League jerseys of each club for the 2025-26 season

With a historic rivalry that includes 243 meetings, this fixture promises intense drama, tactical battles, and thrilling football moments.

Stay tuned here for minute-by-minute updates, live reactions, and expert analysis as both teams aim to kick off their campaigns with a memorable victory.

Although fans have some time to wait before the Premier League 2025/26 season, the preparation for the teams is definitely underway. All the teams in the league have already revealed their home and away kits for the upcoming season.

While each kit will keep the team colours, there are always new ways to play with the look for both home and away.

Read Also: Why Do Serie A Players Have Weird Jersey Numbers?

2025-26 Premier League jerseys for Each Club

Here are all the 2025-26 Premier League jerseys for each club in alphabetical order.

Arsenal

Arsenal’s new kit for their men’s and women’s teams leans into nostalgia with the red shirt, trimmed with white shoulders and red detailing, featuring the letter 'A' on the badge at the forefront, in a reference to the 1990-91 title-winning season.

Aston Villa

The design includes nods to the home city of Birmingham, with design details inspired by the iconic Bullring, where the team has a new fan store.

AFC Bournemouth

The red and black stripes are a little broader than usual and the metallic gold trim adds a sprinkling of glitz. It's unlikely to make much of an impact outside of the immediate vicinity of the Vitality Stadium.

Brentford

Brentford's latest home shirt celebrates the 100th anniversary of the team adopting red and white stripes as their official club colours. Naturally, the design is just that, with the heritage faux lace-up collar being the only real retro appointment of note, a nod to the first batch of home jerseys worn by the Bees in 1925.

Brighton & Hove Albion

Rather than the standard yellow trim, this season's familiar blue-and-white stripes are accompanied by accents of minty turquoise, like the rails that run along the city's seafront.

Read Also: Football jersey numbers: Significance of jersey numbers in football

Burnley

The new kit has been designed to visually encapsulate the rugged landscape that surrounds Burnley and celebrate the beauty of Lancashire.

Chelsea

Chelsea have revealed their sleek away kit, with a largely white look, accented with red and green. Meanwhile, the home kit has its standard blue colour with dark blue texture all over the kit.

Crystal Palace

After a few years of more experimental and off-piste designs, the Eagles' new home jersey features clean red and blue stripes with all the extra detailing picked out in white.

Everton

This one comes in a beautiful shade of creamy yellow and includes subtle references to the industrial heritage of the Bramley-Moore docklands, the site of the club's new stadium. The pattern on the sleeves references the old railway lines that ran in and out of the area and have since been reinstalled as a heritage attraction. 

Fulham

Fulham's association with Adidas has brought a beautiful, bright white kit with black stripes on the shoulder and crest. 

Liverpool FC

Liverpool started their partnership with Adidas this year. Their home kit with the red and white combo looks like one of the best jerseys of the season. Their away kit will have white as the dominant colour with red stripes on the shoulders. 

Read Also: Diogo Jota: Liverpool FC retires Jersey No. 20

Leeds United

The blocky, tessellating pattern found on the collar and cuff is actually a replication of the yellow and blue tile pattern found in the Lowfields Tunnel near Elland Road.

Manchester City

Keeping the typical sky blue colour, Man City have adopted a new look, with a white slash across the front and minimalistic emphasis on its sponsors.

Manchester United

This design is fairly traditional, with a solid red base and sparse black-and-white trim. However, the material does contain a subtle reference to Old Trafford via a smattering of dots and stripes.

Newcastle United

Newcastle United’s 2025/26 kit doesn’t just look good, but also does good, with £5 per shirt sold going to the Newcastle United Foundation.

Nottingham Forest

With a folding collar and immaculate white pinstriping inspired by the revered home shirt of 1992-1994.

Sunderland

A lovely bit of retro-infused handiwork from Danish brand Hummel here, who have used Sunderland's cult classic 1989-91 away kit as inspiration for a demure maritime-themed jersey that is covered in a pattern made up of local coastal landmarks, including the Roker Beach lighthouse.

Also Read: Most goal contributions in every season since 2001 [Updated]

Tottenham Hotspur

Released with the dramatic tagline "In darkness, we dare," the blackout design has a dark-grey grid pattern overlaid to add some texture. 

West Ham United

The new away kit is the particular shade of creamy off-white that only seems to exist in British football kits of the mid-to-late-1990s. 

Wolverhampton Wanderers

A sharp kit that also features a mini history lesson in the form of the pattern that is debossed into the fabric of the jersey. 

UEFA Women's Champions League winners Arsenal are set to break all the past transfer fee records for 20-year-old Canadian forward from Liverpool, Olivia Smith. Smith is now on the verge of becoming the world's first women's player to break the £1m transfer fee record. 

If the deal gets completed, Olivia Smith will break the record for the most expensive transfer fee in women's football history, beating the record of Naomi Girma, who was bought by Chelsea FC Women for £900,000.

Who is Olivia Smith?

Olivia Smith is a 20-year-old centre forward from Canada, born on August 5, 2004. Olivia started her football career in Ontario, Canada, playing youth soccer before joining college football in the United States at Penn State University.

Club career so far

To pursue her career in football, Smith left college early and joined Sporting CP in Portugal in 2023, where she played the first professional season of her career. After a sensational season with Sporting, where she netted 13 goals and produced nine assists in 18 league games.

Smith went on to win the Best Young Player and Revelation Player as Sporting finished second in the league, behind Benfica. 

Her extraordinary skill as a teenager caught the eyes of Liverpool, and she was signed by the Reds in July 2024. In her first season in the Women's Super League, Smith scored 7 goals in 20 appearances. In the whole season for the Reds, she scored 9 times and provided an assist in 25 games. 

Smith was even nominated for the WSL Player of the Year 2025 award. She was named the LFC Women's Player of the Season 2024/25.

Read Also | Who is Tobin Heath? Two-time World Cup champion retires from football

International career

Smith debuted for Canada at just 15 years and 94 days old, becoming her country's youngest player ever in 2019. She also played in the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023. 

Till now, she has appeared 18 times for Canada, scoring 3 goals. 

Why are Arsenal willing to pay the most expensive transfer fee for Olivia Smith?

Well, the truth is that Olivia Smith might find it hard to find a place in the playing XI for Arsenal FC Women. The UEFA Women's Champions League winners have Mariona Caldentey, Beth Mead, Alessia Russo and Chloe Kelly in the team, and this will make it very hard for Olivia to start in every game.

So, why are they willing to pay such a high amount for her?

Just like all the men's football teams in the world are thinking, the women's teams are also thinking the same. With Olivia Smith, Arsenal are thinking long-term goals, and that is why they are willing to pay big bucks for the Canadian. 

"I don't necessarily know how easily she walks into that Arsenal team, obviously they won the Champions League last season, which makes them extremely lucrative, but they've got a great attacking threat already," Rachel Corsie, former Scotland captain, told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"It will be a challenge for her, but probably an addition for Arsenal that they'll expect is maybe one of those signings who could be at the club for a number of years," she added.

Read Also | Best 10 Women's Footballers in the World Right Now

Most expensive transfers in women's football history

In the world of football, few clubs stand out like Chelsea FC. Their trophy cabinet tells a story of incredible success, proving that they have truly won it all!

With their recent UEFA Conference League 4-1 victory over Real Betis, Chelsea completed a historic sweep of all major UEFA titles, topping up with their 2nd FIFA Club World Cup title, all in 2025.

Here is trophy cabinet of Chelsea FC that defines their successful journey in the football world. Take a look.

European Royalty: Conquering the Continent

Chelsea have battled across the continent's most prestigious stages and won every major UEFA club trophy, a feat few clubs can claim.

Their crowning achivements including 2 UEFA Champions League titles, notable defeating Bayern Munich [1-1 (4-3 pens)] in 2012 and Manchester City (1-0) in 2021.

Beyond the Champions League, Chelsea also lifted the UEFA Europa League twice (2013, 2019), and the now-defunct UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1971, famously against Real Madrid in the replay, and also in 1998.

Additionally, two UEFA Super Cup victories (1998, 2021) further highlight their continental dominance.

The collection was completed with their 2025 UEFA Conference League triumph, where Chelsea FC beat Real Betis 4-1 in the final.

The domestic dominance of Chelsea FC

Beyond their European conquests, they have also established as masters of England by securing highest domestic honors.

The Blues clinched the First Division/Premier League title and impress six times (1955, 2005, 2006, 2010, 2015, 2017) along with eight FA Cup victories (1970, 1997, 2000, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2018). This makes them the competition's most successful team.

Their domestic dominance also extends to League Cup, which they have won five times in the following years: 1965, 1998, 2005, 2007, 2015.

Completing the Set: Global and Historic Honors

Chelsea's trophy cabinet truly lives upto the "won it all" status by having a collection of unique, historical, and global titles.

The FIFA Club World Cup win over Palmeiras (2-1) in 2021, made them only London club to win the Champions League as well as the FIFA Club World Cup. More recently, they added their 2nd CWC title after a dominating 3-0 victory over PSG in 2025.

Further adding to their phenomenal collection are four Charity/Community Shield triumphs (1955, 2000, 2005, 2009), which mark their traditional early-season dominance.

As we move down to the final count, Chelsea also holds two Full Members' Club Victories (1986, 1990).

A look at Chelsea's Trophy Cabinet:

Every now and then, a year comes along that changes sports history. Imagine waiting years, even decades, for your favourite team to win. For fans across the globe, 2025 has turned that dream into reality.

This year has been special, marked by some of the longest trophy droughts in sports finally coming to an end. Teams like South Africa in cricket and Bologna in football have broken long-standing curses, proving that anything is possible. 

Is 2025 the miraculous year in sports history? Join us as we explore why 2025 is a year sports fans won't soon forget, and is also termed as "Year of the underdogs."

1. South Africa won an ICC Trophy after 27 years/ 9,862 days

For nearly three decades, the "chokers" tag clung to the Proteas like an unwanted shadow. Time and again, they reached close to the glory, only to falter at crucial moments. But 2025 changed everything, as they lifted ICC WTC Trophy defeating a strong Australian side in the Final.

South Africa showcased a cricketing masterclass with extraordinary team efforts in a high-stakes final match. From Aiden Markram's century to Temba Bavuma's batting class, they gave it all to earn the standing ovation from the crowd as they walked with pride after the win.

This victory, as Mark Boucher previously said, indeed is the turnaround they needed to inspire future generations and earn global respect as champions that they truly deserve.

They made the world chant "It's time for Africa" with their performance.

Read Also: Most ICC Trophies by any men's team

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2. RCB won their first ever IPL trophy after 18 years/ 6,570 days

For 18 painfully long years, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and their passionate fans endured a rollercoaster of hope and heartbreak in IPL. Led by Rajat Patidar, RCB delivered exceptional, balanced performance this season, finally breaking free of their curse.

The image of Virat Kohli lifting the IPL trophy, the last major piece missing from his glittering cabinet, was one of the most iconic sporting moments of this year. It not only signified the team's victory, but also the ultimate reward for loyalty and career-long excellence.

The overall team contribution and management are the key factors that led them to secure their place as champions, shutting all the haters down.

Read Also: IPL 2025: RCB batters create this unique history before the playoffs

AAAAARRRRR CEEEEEEE BEEEEEE ❤🏆#TATAIPL | #RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/lp3AwgCVQl

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 3, 2025

3. Go Ahead Eagles won the KNVB Cup after 93 years/ 33,968 days

Go Ahead Eagles soared to their first major trophy in 93 years, winning the KNVB Cup in 2025. For generations of fans in Deventer, this was a moment they might have only dreamed of. The emotions outpouring after the victory were sensational.

Their journey in the tournament was an underdog saga, defeating AZ Alkmaar, where they equalised the final match in the 99th minute to take it to penalties, and ultimately winning it from there!

4. Bologna won the Italian Cup after 51 years/ 18,619 days

Bologna's victory in the Italian Cup after 51 years was a testament to patience and a perfectly executed season. Their triumph in 2025, defeating AC Milan 1-0 in the final, was a moment they manifested for years.

Key contributions from players like Don Ndoye, who scored the decisive goal despite returning from injury, and the tactical decisions of the coach, Vincenzo Italiano, brought joy to a city that waited for so long.

5.  Crystal Palace won the first ever major trophy (FA Cup) after 119 years/ 43,714 days

Perhaps the most astonishing drought-breaker of 2025 belonged to Crystal Palace. After 119 years, the Eagles finally lifted their first-ever major trophy, the FA Cup. 

The single decisive goal from Eberechi Eze and crucial saves from goalkeeper Dean Henderson shaped their 1-0 victory over Manchester City FC. This victory proved that even after more than a century, a club's biggest dream can still become reality!

Read Also: Football teams with most international trophies

6. Newcastle United won the League Cup after a long wait of 55 years/ 20,367 days

For the passionate supporters of Newcastle United, 2025 brought an end to a 55-year wait for a major domestic trophy as they won the English Football League Cup.

The sight of the Magpies defeating the 10-time champions Liverpool (1-2) was a powerful moment that reinforced belief in their new era. Goals from local hero Dan Burn and Alexander Isak brought the victory home for them.

7. Harry Kane won his first-ever major trophy (Bundesliga) after 32 years/ 11,676 days

For years, England's most prolific striker, Harry Kane, was burdened by an unfortunate tag: "trophy virgin." Despite his goal-scoring records and individual brilliance, a major team trophy has always slipped away from him.

But 2025 finally saw the narrative shattered as Kane immediately made his mark after joining Bayern Munich, leading them to their 33rd Bundesliga title. He was also the top scorer of the 2024-25 season, having scored 26 goals and 8 assists.

This victory felt like a personal one, putting a line to complete the picture in his football career.

Read Also: 11 players who have won the most trophies in football history

This one’s coming home with me! 🏆

Buzzing to be Bundesliga top goalscorer for the second year in a row and this one’s even more special as it goes alongside the Bundesliga title! Couldn’t have achieved this without the support of my teammates! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/WnvIvCf28S

— Harry Kane (@HKane) May 17, 2025

8. Tottenham won the UEFA Europa League after 17 years/ 6,296 days

2025 finally broke Tottenham Hotspur's 17-year trophy drought, as they won the UEFA Europa League. This was a monumental win, bringing the title back to North London.

The tense final against Manchester United saw a crucial goal from Brennan Johnson secure the 1-0 victory. However, the most iconic image was Son Heung-min, the club's long-serving captain, finally lifting a major trophy.

After a decade of dedication and numerous near misses, Son's emotional moment, draped in the Korean flag, was the highlight of his commitment and love for football.

A moment Tottenham fans will never forget 🏆#UELfinal | @SpursOfficial pic.twitter.com/ROFK5pRtDD

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 22, 2025