Arsenal vs Olympiakos: 5 keys players in second leg

Arsenal have a crucial but realistic task against Olympiakos, and to complete that task, they will need the help of these five keys guys.

Arsenal are in an interesting spot. Sure, we need the rotation, there’s no doubting that. There were some seriously tired legs against Everton. Especially on defense. But on the other hand, with no Premier League fixture this weekend and Portsmouth waiting on Monday in the FA Cup, more rotation can be expected there.

So the question is, do we need heavy rotation now if we’ll get it in a few days?

I’m still going to say yes. keeping legs fresh as the Premier League comes down the final stretch is crucial, even if that means giving guys a few extra days off rather than seeing how far you can stretch them.

Plus, I’d hate to see an injury against Olympiakos because some of these guys are being asked to play two full, high intensity matches a week.

We will see what Mikel Arteta opts to do, but he has options for rotation that would still inspire enough confidence to see out the second leg conclusively. I have full faith in that.

Still, his task becomes a lot easier if he can get some key performances from a handful of guys. So let’s talk about that handful. Here are the five guys that need to step up if we’re to put this tie to bed nice and easy.

We start with No. 5.

5. Bernd Leno

I don’t often include Bernd Leno on these lists because he’s so damn good and reliable that it seems pointless. Of course we can count on him to do his job. Of course we can expect that he won’t make any dumb mistakes. He’s past that point in his career.

But he’s still human, and so much of this match will be determined by what happens in that first half hour. We need to score a goal or two, yes, but we also need to keep a clean sheet. And as I’m predicting some pretty heavy defensive rotation, Leno will have his work cut out to keep things organized while still withstanding the early pressure Olympiakos will hope to establish.

We’re in good hands.

On to No. 4.