Mikel Arteta sought out Fabio Vieira’s knowledge of Sporting CP ahead of their Europa League round of 16 match, due to Vieira’s experience playing against them in the Primeira Liga for Porto and his knowledge of their squad through international under-21 games.

Speaking to the media ahead of Arsenal’s Europa League tie on Thursday, Arteta revealed that Vieira gave positive feedback on Sporting’s options and formations.

“That was the first thing that we did because it’s great to have the knowledge and the understanding of someone from the country, who knows the manager and has [international] teammates,” Arteta said. “It’s always very useful and he talked really highly.

“The variety, options and the change in formations that they can do, and within that shape as well, the profile of players especially the wing-backs change their behaviours. We know that, and until we have the line-ups, we will have a few question marks as we try to understand what they will do.

“To win tomorrow, we will have to be at our best and play really well, compete really well, understand the game and manage the game really well. Here it is easy, but we have to do it on that pitch tomorrow night.”

Arteta also mentioned that he is excited for a reunion with former Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin, who is currently on loan at Sporting from Barcelona. Arteta described Bellerin as an important player for Arsenal who left a positive impact beyond just his playing career.

“I absolutely love the person and the player,” Arteta said. “He was a really important player for our club, one who left something beyond just his career but as a person at our football club.

“It will be great to see him tomorrow, and I’m sure the boys and the staff will be really happy to see him again.”