Arsenal v Olympiacos; Champion’s League Match Preview

A test of any team – good bad or indifferent is how they respond to adversity. Well, after a much praised and ballyhooed start, the Gunners lost their first domestic match of the season to Chelsea. It was in all aspects a rather dour affair as no club really impressed. But that is in the past. And if Arsenal are going to make a run for another Champion’s League knock out stage, they will need to forget Saturday and focus on today and the impending visit by Greek stalwarts, Olympiacos.

The opponent coming in is a familiar foe to Arsenal. Last season the Gunners met them at this same point, winning the match 2-1 in London on the back of some promising Arsenal youth and then losing the closing tie of the Group stages in Greece 3-1. However, by that time, Arsenal had already cemented the leadership of the group.

The visitors are coming in and should be ready to give it a proper go. They’ve already suffered their first loss of the Champion’s League campaign at home to German side Schalke. They will come into this match looking to get into contention to get out of the group. A loss in London and their hole is pretty deep.

Arsenal will look to make it two in a row in Group B. The group while not very difficult is also not very easy and results could be hard to get without focus. That is why it’s important for the Gunners to forget about what happened on Saturday and move on.

It may be hard though. As publicized, Abou Diaby is out for 3 weeks with a thigh injury. Additionally, Mikel Arteta faces a late test on an ankle knock he picked up against Chelsea. If Arteta is out it is likely that Aaron Ramsey and Francis Coquelin will deputize behind Santi Cazorla.

If Coquelin does play (regardless of Arteta in or out) he should likely play the deeper of the 3 roles. He’s a solid player with good vision, speed and amazing foot skills that allows him to switch from defense to offense quite quickly. While, Diaby has been solid for Arsenal, Coquelin starting shouldn’t be considered a drop down and could very well if he lives up to his potential be a step up. Either way, it’s time for Coquelin to get run out more.

It’s also likely that Giroud will also start instead of sit and come in late. If he is ever going to get going and build up any confidence or find his scoring touch he can’t be coming on for the last 15-20 minutes. He needs to start. There is enough around him that should he have an off game, the scoring can get picked up. But he needs 60-70 minutes a game to really find his feet.

The comparison of Giroud to the other Ligue 1 export who can’t seem to score – Marouane Chamakh is unfounded. Giroud offers much more than Chamakh can. He is a stronger player and when you can win most aerial duels with Vincent Kompany you know you’re good in the air. Giroud holds play up better and is an overall better passer than Chamakh. The only two places they are equal is an inability to find the back of the net and overall speed. Thought it should be said Giroud’s chances off his feet have been solid except for maybe 3 or 4 wide shots. If we could get him some decent crosses in the air when he’s in the box we might find he could actually find his scoring touch.

Other than the midfield changes and the possibility of Giroud up front, the back 4 should be the preferred lineup from the start of the season and Mannone will still feature in goal. Obviously Cazorla and Podolski will play. Who starts on the right depends on who starts up front. But I think it’s likely we’ll see Chamberlain there.

How the Match Should Play Out:

Olympiacos have their backs against the wall and can ill afford to come out and play defensively against Arsenal. A loss or even a draw would hamper their ability to get out of the group. This game should be wide open and suit the Arsenal style regardless of who ever lines up for the team. The last two meetings in London between these  two teams has seen the home side score 4 goals.  Suspect in the end that Arsenal have more in them and pull it out.

Players to Watch:
Arsenal: Lukas Podolski. The German international picked the worst game to go missing for Arsenal against domestic rivals Chelsea. For the most part the forward has been a revelation and opened up his account in the Champion’s League in fine form.

Olympiacos: Roy Carroll. He was the goal keeper in between the sticks for Manchester United when they ended the Invincible run.

Projected Lineups:
Arsenal: Mannone, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Ramsey, Coquelin, Cazorla, Chamberlain, Podolski, Giroud

Olympiacos: Carroll, Papazoglou, Contreras, Manolas, Holebas; Maniatis, Modesto  Ibagaza; Fuster, Mitroglou , Machado

Arsenal Injuries and Suspensions:
Arteta (ankle – late fitness  test), Diaby (thigh), Szczesny (ankle), Fabianski (shoulder), Sagna (match fitness), Wilshere (match fitness), Rosicky (shin)

Leading Scorers (UCL):
Arsenal: Gervinho 1, Podolski 1

Olympiacos: Abdoun 1

Domestic Form (last 5)
Arsenal: DWWDL

Olympiacos: WWWWW

Head to Head Tournament Stats:

Match Official:

Referee: Svein Oddvar Moen (NOR)
Assistant referees: Kim Thomas Haglund (NOR), Frank Andås (NOR)
Additional assistant referees: Tommy Skjerven (NOR), Brage Sandmoen (NOR)
Fourth official: Sven Erik Midthjell (NOR)

Broadcast Information:
US: Fox Soccer Channel 5:00 PM EST (rebroadcast)

UK: SkySports 4 1945 GMT

YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 2

Olympiacos: 0