Arsenal go to Athens to play Olympiacos in a crunch game in the last of this season’s UEFA Champions League group stage, in a match where the odds are stacked against the Gunners.
The travellers have a mountain of a task to take on if they are to qualify for the knockout phase of the competition. They must beat the Greek side by at least 2 goals – or beat them by a goal with a minimum scoreline of 3-2 – to secure their place in the round of 16. Going across Europe to try and win by such an unsustainable and risky margin, especially against an Olympiacos side that’ll want to sit back to defend their second place spot will prove difficult.
Arsenal set themselves up well for Wednesday’s occasion, with a fairly convincing 3-1 win against Sunderland at the Emirates. Despite being thin on the ground, the likes of Mesut Özil and the returning Aaron Ramsey drove their team towards the three points with a good attacking display, despite some clear defensive deficiencies which forced Petr Cech into some good saves. The aforementioned midfield pair will be relied upon again to power the side to a win, considering how on form the attacking aspect of the Gunners needs to be on the night.
When Arsenal welcomed Olympiacos to north London for natchday two earlier this season, it was a disappointing display. The usual defensive woes were on display again as some of the second-string players were on show, the consequences of which could not be solved by the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott. With a full-strength back four available this time round, there is more chance of Arsenal being able to defend a lead in Greece, which will ease the pressure on the team’s attacking talents.
Olympiacos currently sit in their Champions League group with nine points in second place, three points above the Gunners – meaning head-to-head record become Arsenal’s best friend. The Greek side have won three of their five European games, against Zagreb and Arsenal, scoring six goals in the process. On the domestic front, they’re first in the Greek league – as they are expected to be – winning all twelve of their league games this season, giving them a ten point advantage over the second placed team. Olympiacos certainly have a resolve to them, and this will be enforced when at home and when trying to conquer this depleted Arsenal team.
A player the Greeks will need to watch out for is Aaron Ramsey. The Welshman made a return to a central position over the weekend against Sunderland and promptly justified the manager’s selection with a goal and an assist. These big game situations are moments Ramsey relishes and he can normally turn up with a goal on these occasions. He’ll link up well with the in-form Mesut Özil to run the attacking proceedings on the night.
A player Arsenal will need to keep an eye on is Manuel da Costa. The Greek team’s defence is the most important aspect to be focused on and this tough Moroccan centre-back could be a disruptive player for the Gunners’ attack. Whilst maybe not the most talented player, his style as a centre-back will frustrate Arsenal because of his physical nature, so the likes of Olivier Giroud will need to counter that.
Arsenal could appear in UEFA’s second tier competition for the first time under Arsene Wenger because of how tight the proceedings are on Wednesday evening, and that is something the team’s faithful support will need to prepare for. This situation has come from the team’s own doing, so it is an event that’ll have to be looked into. However, it’s not all down the drain, and the attacking players are able to step up, so don’t completely discard your hopes.
Team news:
Arsenal are missing a number of players which will significantly undermine their attack and their chances of qualifying for the next stage of the Champions League. Francis Coquelin, Santi Cazorla, Alexis Sanchez, Mikel Arteta, Jack Wilshere, Danny Welbeck and Tomas Rosicky are all in the treatment room, meaning a make-shift midfield will travel to Greece. However, the returning Theo Walcott will be useful as the game wears on – expect him to start on the bench.
Predicted XIs:
Olympiacos (4-2-2): Jimenez Gago; Elabdellaoui, da Costa, Siovas, Masuaku; Kasami, Cambiasso, Milivojevic, Pardo; Ideye, de Frieta Couto Junior.
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Cech; Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal; Flamini, Ramsey; Campbell, Özil, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Giroud.
Prediction:
An unfortunate 2-1 win to Arsenal. Going away to a side looking to secure a place in the knockout stage as well will never be easy, so expect the Greek defence to be strong and resolute. Arsenal will take the lead in the first half through Olivier Giroud, but Olympiacos will equalise through Brown Ideye in the first 45 as well. In the second portion of the game Aaron Ramsey will restore the Gunners’ lead, but it won’t be enough to secure second spot – Arsenal will be eliminated from the Champions League in Greece.
