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Arsenal predicted lineup vs Olympiacos: Strategy for revenge

By Rob Worthington

BURNLEY, ENGLAND - MARCH 06: Mikel Arteta the manager / head coach of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Burnley and Arsenal at Turf Moor on March 6, 2021 in Burnley, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - MARCH 06: Mikel Arteta the manager / head coach of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Burnley and Arsenal at Turf Moor on March 6, 2021 in Burnley, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Mikel Arteta
Arsenal predicted lineup to face Olympiacos in the Europa League last 16 on Thursday, with Mikel Arteta having a fully fit squad for the trip to Athens. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images) /

Arsenal head into a Europa League last 16 first leg tie with Olympiacos off the back of yet another deflating Premier League outing. Mikel Arteta will be hoping more luck is on his side on Thursday evening than there was at Turf Moor.

As has been well documented, the Europa League represents a glimmer of hope in what has been a season of hopelessness for Arsenal. Victory in the competition could mean that was has been a horrible domestic season could be almost wholly…forgotten.

However, there is long way to go until such a potentiality can even enter the realms of possibility. Arsenal‘s second obstacle in the Europa League knockout phase comes in the shape of Olympiacos. Fans will remember the Greek giants have fond memories of playing Arsenal.

Just over a year ago, Arteta’s side were dumped out of Europe after a late goal from Youssef El-Arabi took Olympiacos to the last 16. It was a night of true despair for Arsenal marking the club’s earliest exit from UEFA’s second string competition since crashing out of the first round in 1982.

Arsenal predicted lineup to face Olympiacos in the Europa League last 16 on Thursday

Arteta will be hoping that facing Olympiacos a little later in the competition this year proves to be a good omen. The prospect of getting some sweet, sweet revenge over the Greek side will also be attractive for the Spaniard.

As for team news, Arsenal head into a consecutive game with a near full squad available to them. Emile Smith Rowe was given the weekend off to recuperate following his groin issues and a late call will be made on his availability for Thursday while Cedric should come back in after his rest against Burnley.

Here’s our predicted lineup:

Arsenal’s German-born Portuguese defender Cedric Soares (R) challenges Benfica’s Portuguese midfielder Pizzi during the UEFA Europa League round of 32 first leg football match between SL Benfica and Arsenal at the Olimpico stadium in Rome on February 18, 2021. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP) (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s German-born Portuguese defender Cedric Soares (R) challenges Benfica’s Portuguese midfielder Pizzi during the UEFA Europa League round of 32 first leg football match between SL Benfica and Arsenal at the Olimpico stadium in Rome on February 18, 2021. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP) (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images) /

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Bernd Leno (GK) – Arteta doesn’t appear to follow the same protocol as his predecessors by deploying his No. 2 ‘keeper in the Europa League. Maty Ryan would be more than capable of performing such a role, but Bernd Leno is Arsenal’s best goalkeeper and should definitely start in these important European games.

Çedric Soares (RB) – After being completely left out Arsenal’s squad to face Burnley on Saturday, Çedric will be hoping to return to the starting XI. Calum Chambers put in a good shift at right-back against Burnley but the game did suit him with the Clarets’ physical approach. Çedric offers more offensively and will be fresh after his break so should start over both Chambers and Hector Bellerin.

David Luiz (CB) – David Luiz has established himself as something of a stalwart in Arsenal’s backline lately. It’s difficult to foresee that changing any time soon so he’ll inevitably start on Thursday.

Gabriel (CB) – Next to Luiz, it’s great to see some genuine competition between Gabriel and Pablo Marì. Gabriel’s been forced to work for his place since his return after contracting COVID-19 while Arsenal’s decision to bring in Pablo Marì last January has proved to be something of an astute one in recent weeks. Regardless, Gabriel is the superior defender, and should start in Greece tomorrow.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – Any need for justification? Kieran Tierney is not only Arteta’s best option at left-back but also one of Arsenal’s best players. He absolutely has to start against Olympiacos… and also against Spurs on Sunday.

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