Arsenal return to Champions League action at the Emirates on Wednesday night, looking to make it two wins from two in Group A. After a gritty away win over Athletic Club on matchday one, Mikel Arteta’s side now welcome Olympiacos, a team that always seem to make things awkward for us in Europe.
This fixture is one where Arteta has to balance rotation with keeping the level high. There are minutes to be handed out, but he can’t take risks with the group still wide open.
Team news
Defensively, Arteta has options but also some big calls. Ben White should get more minutes after his injury layoff, while Saliba is fit enough to start despite being carefully managed. Gabriel Magalhaes continues to be undroppable. The interesting one is at left-back, where Myles Lewis-Skelly could get his chance. The Hale Ender has been waiting for this sort of platform, and the Champions League is as big as it gets.
In midfield, Declan Rice could finally get a rest. Mikel Merino is pushing to keep his spot after scoring against Newcastle, with Zubimendi holding the base. The No.10 role might go to Ethan Nwaneri as Ødegaard is eased back in. Huge opportunity for the teenager. And Eze will be rested.
Attack + the Dowman watch
On the wings, Bukayo Saka will almost certainly start, with Gabriel Martinelli expected to get the nod on the left after some strong cameos. Through the middle, it’s once again Viktor Gyökeres, still the only natural nine available.
But the name everyone will have their eye on is Max Dowman. If Arteta throws him on, he could become the youngest player in Champions League history. The buzz around him is real, and even a cameo would be historic.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Olympiacos (4-3-3)
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Merino, Nwaneri; Saka, Gyökeres, Martinelli.
Prediction
Olympiacos have caused us pain before, but this Arsenal side are built differently. The head-to-head is locked at 4-4 in Europe, time to tilt it in our favour. The focus will be on game management, keeping the clean sheet, and hopefully seeing some history made with the kids.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos. Job done, one eye on the future.
