At the Emirates Stadium, a vibrant European night is set for Arsenal vs Olympiacos, on Wednesday, 1st day of October. This meeting is the 13th between these two teams since 2009 and carries a historic aura for obvious reasons.
Mikel Arteta’s side will carry positive momentum following a thrilling 2-1 comeback win against Newcastle United which saw a stoppage time winner scored by their own defender, Gabriel. Furthermore, their Champions League campaign has certainly started well with a 2-0, away win at Athletic Club – which displayed their maturity. In comparison, Olympiacos remained frustrated in their first match as new couples in the tournament. They played against ten men for a significant period and ended to a 0-0 draw by Pafos FC.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Arsenal Team News: The Gunners will be missing a number of attacking players through injury, namely Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Noni Madueke. Defender Piero Hincapié is also a doubt. However, captain Martin Ødegaard made a impactful return from a shoulder injury off the bench against Newcastle and is in line to start, potentially replacing Eberechi Eze. Youngsters like Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly are also in consideration.
Olympiacos Team News: Visitors coming are almost at full strength for this game. Their only major absence is that of Ukrainian striker Roman Yaremchuk, who is in sideline with a calf injury. Also in the squad is their ex-Wolves winger Daniel Podence, expected to start on the left side.
Tactical Keys and Historical Context
Olympiacos, coached by José Luis Mendilibar, a winner in the UEFA Europa League, usually operate with a 4-2-3-1 formation that morphs into a compact 4-5-1 formation when they are out of possession. Through their left-back Francisco Ortega and Daniel Podence, Olympiacos create overloads using the flanks. Their goals often come later in the game. Out of the ten league goals they scored this season, all ten were scored in the second half of matches.
Arsenal has strong home record in the Champions League. They’ve had nine clean sheets in the last twelve home games in the tournament—offers a word of caution from history to the Gunners. Olympiacos has won in each of their last three visits to the Emirates Stadium, the longest Arsenal has gone at home in major European competition without a win to a specific opponent. The two teams are now completely level on six wins apiece on aggregate.
Match Prediction
With that much quality in depth and home form in their favor, the Gunners are clearly favorites here. Olympiacos have a proud history at the Emirates but have a very poor recent away record in the Champions League. They have lost their last ten away matches in the tournament, making this an uphill battle.
Prediction: Arsenal vs Olympiacos, with 2-0 to Arsenal.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
