Sporting CP coach Ruben Amorim feels they face Arsenal at a good time.

Sporting host the first-leg of their Europa League round 16 tie tonight.

Amorim said, "I don't know if it's the best moment [to face Arsenal], but it's a good moment. We're playing well, that's important. We shouldn't focus too much on that. Two weeks ago we talked about Midtjylland in a difficult moment and then we turned it around.

"We have a plan. We want to win, knowing the difference between the teams. We are prepared for the game and we are excited.

"We wouldn't be favourites. Football is not only physical, it's also mental. Beating a team like Arsenal shows us that anything is possible. Eliminating a team like Arsenal would face the challenges from then on with a different mind. We wouldn't be favourites because there are still teams with other power.

"Above all, we know the spirit of Arsenal well. They are going through a very good moment. They are very hungry to win, you can see it in the way they celebrate and play. Our team has improved in terms of concentration and approach to games, that comes with the growth of the team.

"We are also going through a good moment and we are prepared for the best Arsenal. In these games, the coach doesn't need to worry about concentration, because they are concentrated from the first minute. We have to be brave to win the game."