OlympiacosOlympiakos travel to the Emirates on Wednesday looking to defeat an Arsenal side eager to bounce back from a demoralising loss against Chelsea at the weekend.

Head to Head

The two teams have been drawn in the same group stage twice before, and it has resulted in Arsenal winning all their home ties and losing all their away ties.

This is a new look Arsenal team though to the one in the previous ties so history will count for nothing come Wednesday.

Form guide

Arsenal remain in good form, a loss on Saturday was their first of the season in all competitions and the free flowing attacking play and resolute defending that has been on show this season has impressed many viewers.

Olympiakos are also in good form, winning all their league games so far this year, their only loss has been a 2-1 defeat to Schalke in the Champions league. They have grabbed 13 goals in their five league games and conceded only 3. They come to Arsenal a team with high morale and ready to cause an upset.

Team News

Abou Diaby picked up a knock against Chelsea on the weekend and will be out for around 3 weeks, therefore missing the game.

There will also be a late fitness test for Mikel Arteta who is suffering from an ankle injury, it is likely he will be fit enough to play though.

Szcesny and Sagna are still not fit enough to play.

Per Mertesacker may make a return to the starting line-up after Koscielny looked unconvincing against Chelsea.

Despite Wilshere and Frimpong playing for the reserves on Monday, neither will make the squad due to their lack of fitness and match practise. The return of Wilshere has buoyed the Arsenal squad though, who will be inspired by his determination to return and excited about the prospect of having such a gifted player back in the squad.

Olympiakos can field a fully fit squad and will be happy to hear of the Arsenal injuries.

Key Players

Arsenal will be counting on the defence to hold strong again, and counting on Mertesacker to keep up his good form.

It is also a big game for Cazorla, with Diaby missing he will have to take on an even bigger role, helping the inexperienced Oxlade-Chamberlain who I believe will start next to him in the middle. Walcott may also start in what is now a massive game for him as he has a big point to prove this season.

Olympiakos will be counting very strongly on their key striker Rafik Djebbour who has scored 6 goals in 4 league appearances this season.

There will also be a return to Roy Carroll who is the first choice goalkeeper for the Greek side.

Ariel Ibagaza is also a player who is capable of changing a game from the middle of the park and Arsenal will have to keep a close eye on him.

Predicted line-ups

Arsenal- Mannone, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Arteta, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla, Walcott, Gervinho, Podolski

Olympiakos- Carroll, Torosidis, Papazoglou, Modesto, Holebas, Machado, Fuster, Ibagaza, Abdoun, Mitroglou, Djebbour

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Comments  

#3 jerry ewuruje 2012-10-03 15:58
We can still feed a very strong squard against Olympiakos that can win in today's CL in Emirate inspite of the injuries.if Wenger will feed in experienced players. Theo, Arshavin and most importantly Giroud up front as the the only natural striker in the team presently.I don't see any reason why we will not take the day.
#2 gooner#Tanzania 2012-10-03 14:17
I know this is not going to be a simple match,especial in absence of Arteta,we could deploy Chamberlain in DM and Walcot in the right wing and Gervihno up front and we hav put an experience player on the Bench like arsharvin..
#1 goooooooooooooooner 2012-10-02 17:30
Unfortunately, I have a feeling Ramsey will get the spot over Arteta. Wenger will not risk Arteta getting a more serious injury. Though I'm not the biggest Ramsey fan, he's had his moments this season, especially when he is not deployed on the wing, so hopefully this won't hurt the squad too much. I'd love to see Podolski, Gervinho, and Walcott up front. The pace, width, and movement of the three could be devastating, and hopefully the gunners can put this match out of reach early, so Giroud can come on and try to gain some confidence. COYG