Getty Images
| PROBABLE LINEUPS |
ARSENAL  Szczesny Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs Arteta, Ramsey, Song Arshavin, Van Persie, Gervinho | OLYMPIAKOS  Costanzo Torosidis, Mellberg, Papadopolous, Holebas Abdoun, Fejsa, Fuster, Modesto, Yeste Mirallas |
It has been reported that Theo Walcott has been ruled out with a knee problem, and Andrey Arshavin is likely to come in if that is the case.
Olympiakos favoured a 4-5-1 formation in their first Champions League tie of the season and given the pedigree of their opponents and the location of the game, it is likely they will do the same again.
Striker Kevin Mirallas is the only forward to start each of the Greek side’s three games so far this season and so is most likely to lead the line.
Defender Olof Mellberg will be familiar to Premier League fans having spent seven years of his career at Aston Villa.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
- These two sides met in the group stage of the Champions League in 2009, each winning
their home tie.
- Neither of these clubs has ever lifted the Champions League in its new or old format. Arsenal were beaten finalists in 2006 and Olympiakos furthest progression was to the quarter-finals.
- Olympiakos have never gained a single point playing in England and have scored only one goal.
- That goal was scored by Brazilian Rivaldo at Anfield in 2004-05 but sparked the comeback which eventually led to a famous Liverpool victory in the competition.
- Arsene Wenger (right) celebrates 15 years as the Gunners’ manager this week. His counterpart Ernesto Valverde has been at Olympiakos just over a year.
- Both managers have suffered the dubious honour of finishing runner-up in a European final. Wenger in the 2006 Champions League final and Valverde in the 2007 Uefa Cup final with Espanyol.
Editor's Prediction
Arsenal 3-1 Olympiakos Piraeus 
Arsenal 3-1 Olympiakos Piraeus 
