Arsenal vs Olympiacos preview: How to watch, predicted lineups, score prediction & injury updates

Arsenal Predicted Lineup

Arsenal: Leno; Bellerin, Luiz, Mari, Cedric; Partey, Xhaka, Smith Rowe; Willian, Aubameyang, Pepe

Olympiacos: Sa; Lala, Sokratis, M’Vila, Reabciuk; Bruma, Bouchalakis, Valbuena, Fortounis, Masouras; El-Arabi

Olympiacos vs Arsenal Score Prediction

Approach. Take the wrong one and Arsenal will not only humiliate themselves, but plunge their manager into a pit he may not be able to claw his way out of. That is how bad elimination in this round would be.

When you score three goals away from home in European competition and force your opponents to do likewise at your stadium, there are no excuses for not sealing progression. None.

Despite the win being fantastic, the Gunners escaped Greece with a healthy dose of luck. Three goals out of nothing was what their dominance had to show for itself, while the needless errors could and probably should have resulted in more goals conceded.

Being the better side is what Arsenal have grown accustomed to since Christmas. In only two or three games since have they been outplayed, yet still they’ve failed to secure points on account of their lack of ruthlessness.

Thursday’s meeting is totally different. Arteta insisted he will set his team out to win the game as if the first leg never happened, but that might not be entirely true. Winning comes first, but personnel can change to match the opposition’s needs. This game is beautifully suited to someone of Pepe’s skill set, as it is Aubameyang’s: space to attack and pace to burn.

Equally, he may field his regular starters from the off, grab one or two goals and then manage the game accordingly, taking advantage of the five substitute rules. The game-management side of matters is what is most concerning, since Arsenal fell to pieces in the last ten minutes of the North London Derby, looking as nervous as the supporters watching on.

However, confidence is high, the scoreline is on their side, and they should see the job through. Should they not, then…..actually let’s not even go there.

Score Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos